Public Service Commission; exclude provision of electricity to propel motor vehicles through electric vehicle charging equipment
Impact
One significant aspect of HB307 is its directive that, starting January 1, 2026, no publicly available electric vehicle charging equipment shall be provided, owned, operated, or maintained by an electric supplier unless managed by a separate legal entity. This provision is intended to prevent conflict of interest and ensure that electric suppliers do not use their regulatory advantage to dominate the EV charging market. The bill specifies that rates, terms, and conditions of service must be uniformly applied to both electric vehicle charging providers and electric suppliers, promoting equitable access to charging services.
Summary
House Bill 307 aims to revise Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically addressing the regulation of electricity provision for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The bill seeks to exclude the provision of electricity delivered through EV charging equipment from the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission, effectively creating a framework that encourages private sector investment in this area. By doing so, it emphasizes the goal of fostering the widespread installation and use of public charging equipment, which is crucial for the transition to electric vehicles.
Contention
There are essential points of contention surrounding the bill. Advocates argue that this legislation will stimulate innovation and make EV charging more accessible by creating a competitive market. However, critics are concerned about the potential implications for community charging equipment, as the bill allows electric suppliers to recover costs associated with this until December 31, 2025, which may lead to sustaining a less competitive environment in the long run. Additionally, this could raise questions surrounding the affordability and accessibility of charging for all users, especially in underserved areas where public charging options are limited.