State takes important next step in identifying critical EV charging infrastructure to fast-track
ALBANY, NY, June 12, 2023 -- Today, Advanced Energy United thanked the New York Legislature for passing S4830/A5052, a bill that directs state agencies to assess where in the state the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to require strengthening or expanding the state’s electricity grid. Such analyses—and subsequent grid improvements—will ensure the grid is ready for the uptick in electricity demand that EVs will bring, and save money in the long run compared to the status quo of reactive and piecemeal grid upgrades.
“New York’s transition to EVs is a critical undertaking, but that transition will be slower and more expensive without proactive strengthening of the electricity grid,” said Karlito Almeda, New York state lead for Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve a 100% clean energy and electrified transportation future. “Charging infrastructure projects can take nine months to two years to complete. That’s why studying and recommending grid improvements is an important first step, but we stand ready to work with state agencies, along with the legislature next year to put the resulting study into action as soon as possible.”
The bill requires the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), Department of Environmental Conservation, the Public Service Commission (PSC), Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, among other entities in NY, to determine the charging capacity and highest priority locations required by electric vehicle adoption. The ‘needs assessment’ will be paired with identifying urban development practices that not only make these charging stations accessible, equitable and practical, but also optimizes electric distribution along with interconnection and transmission opportunities. An earlier version of the bill also authorized the PSC and state utilities to begin putting the plan into action immediately, but was removed during the amendment process.
“The analysis this bill calls for is a critical first step toward making New York’s electricity grid ready for the full transition to EVs, but we also need to ensure that utilities move ahead with implementing the grid improvements recommended in the analysis,” added Almeda. “We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors Senator Kennedy and Assemblywoman Woerner, State Agency staff and other advocates to advance those solutions next year to build upon this legislation.”
Click here to learn more about Advanced Energy United's work in New York.