Pennsylvania lags behind neighboring states in planning for and investing in the grid infrastructure needed to reliably accommodate electric vehicles (EVs). The number of electric vehicles on our roads is growing every year. With unpredictable gasoline prices and a smaller impact on the environment, consumers are choosing EVs that they can charge in their homes or at other convenient locations.
 
With the increase demand of EVs, Pennsylvania needs to start planning for the buildout of the infrastructure necessary to support both widespread EV adoption and the expected ramp-up in electricity demand that will result. Each of our neighboring states has done this. New York is already spending over $1 billion annually to implement their plans.
 
I will be introducing legislation to get us back in the race.
 
Specifically, my legislation will: 

• Create a comprehensive planning process for charging infrastructure deployment through the development of transportation electrification plans (TEPs) by Pennsylvania electricity utilities. (The Public Utility Commission will oversee this planning process to ensure  lower-income customers are protected.)
• Direct utilities to develop a plan for their service territory, updated every five years, evaluating the reliability and resiliency of the transmission and distribution network, rates charged to customers, and EV development plans.  
• Bring key stakeholders, including PennDOT, DEP, transit agencies, and metropolitan/rural planning organizations into the EV planning process. 

 
We need a plan. I hope you’ll join me in sponsoring this important legislation that benefits both our economy and the environment.