Utility Dive provides insight into how steps taken in Pennsylvania’s widely collaborative new EV initiative may serve as blueprint for other states. AEE perspective is included with comments by Market Development VP Matt Stanberry and reference to AEE’s recently released Regulatory Plan for America's Electric Transportation Future. See excerpts below and read the entire Utility Dive story here:

Pennsylvania's breakthrough collaboration of private sector, utility, legislative and regulatory leaders may be the template for a national transportation electrification program that can drive the next wave of market expansion…

The PUC ruling, the Drive Electric Pennsylvania coalition's collaboration and the Duquesne Light proposal's principles are the kinds of things that grow EV markets, Miller said. The Duquesne principles are particularly important because they "preserve site host control over charging stations" and, therefore, "fit with the many kinds of programs needed for the many different kinds of utility service territories."

A further element in the mix, and a prime focus of the collaboration, has been House Bill (HB) 1446. It would accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, charging station deployment and supporting policies. It did not get out of committee in 2018, but Republican Senators Bob Mensch and Robert Tomlinson have announced a new push is coming in 2019, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Transportation Policy Analyst Noah Garcia told Utility Dive. 

HB 1446 could "help Pennsylvania stake out a leadership position in electric vehicle policy nationally," Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) Market Development VP Matt Stanberry emailed Utility Dive. By making clear the state's commitment, "it would provide an important welcoming signal for new investments…"

HB 1446 formally sets a goal of increasing transportation electrification in Pennsylvania 50% by 2030, along with the companion regulations and policies being developed by the Pennsylvania collaboration. It has stakeholders who work in other emerging-market states enthusiastic…

The bill would create "a logical process for the state to understand its charging infrastructure needs and evaluate charging infrastructure proposals," AEE's Stanberry added… 

The Pennsylvania EV Roadmap is being developed by the DEP's Drive Electric coalition. It details the state's current EV market, proposes new strategies, and models future market scenarios. It is a supporting document that helps lawmakers considering HB 1446 see where the state's executive branch wants to go and provides data to support that direction, stakeholders said...

The Roadmap's near-term strategies include setting official statewide sales goals, expanding rebates and establishing marketing, education and dealer programs. It also calls for expanded fleet electrification and a statewide plan for charger deployment…

The strategies follow widely-accepted best practices. September's Regulatory Plan for America's Electric Transportation Future, from national think tank Advanced Energy Economy, identifies similar strategies. July's Driving Adoption, Capturing Benefits, from GridWise Alliance, describes similar benefits…

See the complete Utility Dive story here.