In March, the State Corporation Commission opened public comment on how the continued growth and popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) may impact  the affordability and reliability of electricity service throughout the Commonwealth. Several VCN partners submitted comments that addressed concerns over cost of deployment and rate design, energy storage, and public charging infrastructure.

While only a piece of the solution, transitioning to electric vehicles is a critical piece of the solution to reduce carbon pollution from transportation – the largest source of carbon pollution in VA. As we work to reduce vehicles miles traveled and power the remaining vehicles with electricity we must ensure this build out is done right. 

In their comments, VCN partners recognize that EVs can play a critical role in reducing emissions and helping electric utilities manage their loads while simultaneously reducing ratepayer costs. But, it must be done in a way that  provides a net benefit to the entirety of the Commonwealth. 

Full comments submitted by partners can be read below:

Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Environmental Advocates

Generation180 and the UVA Environmental Law Clinic

The Nature Conservancy

Natural Resources Defense Council