In October 2009, Edison Electric Institute (EEI)–the association of U.S. share-holder owned utilities–pledged to push forward the transition to vehicle electrification. EEI’s member utilities have committed to developing greater electric transmission capacity, adopting smart-grid technologies, and building up infrastructure. Utility fleets will also begin to transition to electric vehicles.
The pledge focuses on the following:
- Infrastructure: Utilities will help ensure there are no system impacts from fueling large numbers of plug-in vehicles from the power grid. They also will help develop comprehensive local charging infrastructure plans.
- Customer Support: Utilities will ensure that PEV customers receive excellent customer care on questions ranging from charging mechanics to rates.
- Customer and Stakeholder Education: Utilities will collaborate with state and local officials, automakers and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive education outreach to customers on all aspects of PEVs.
- Vehicle and Infrastructure Incentives: Utilities will work closely with federal and local stakeholders to encourage PEV penetration, including purchase incentives, tax rebates, off-peak charging rates and subsidized parking.
- Utility fleets: Utilities will take significant steps to accelerate the introduction of PEVs into their utility fleet operations.
More information on these commitments can be found in our resources page, where we have added EEI’s full list of “Industry-Wide Plug-In Electric Vehicle Market Readiness Initiatives.”
