Priorities
Electric Power Sector Interface
To make any large deployments of infrastructure feasible in their interaction with the grid, the functioning of the hardware must be intelligently coordinated with grid operations.
Managing the interface between the grid—power generation, transmission, and distribution—and the vehicles presents additional complexities. In moving from oil to electricity, we must be deliberate in ensuring the reliability of the U.S. power system. The current regulatory framework may be inadequate to support widespread GEV adoption, and a set of standards for everything from plugs to outlets to charging stations will be required to ensure uniform operability.
While adding millions of GEVs as customers is a great opportunity for utilities, it will require them to address several issues. Some utilities will have to upgrade distribution-level transformers to ensure reliable service to homes and other charging locations. Along with investments in smart meters and smart charging software, utilities will need to invest in IT infrastructure to support a range of smart grid applications including GEVs. Further, both utilities and electricity market retailers will need new rate plans to reliably serve GEVs. Regulatory reforms are also required.
In order to spur these reforms, helping to guarantee the continuing reliability of the grid as GEVs come online, the Coalition recommends:
- Promoting the inclusion of GEV-related investment in the utility rate base
- Adjusting utility rate structures to facilitate GEV deployment