Pennsylvania PUC Seeks Comment on Role for Retail Suppliers in Electric, Natural Gas Vehicles, Schedules Forum

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold a forum on May 31, 2012, in Philadelphia, to seek information from interested parties on PUC jurisdictional issues related to Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), specifically natural gas and electric vehicles.

"The move toward increased use of AFVs creates numerous issues and questions, many of which impact the Commission’s core functions. The Commission envisions this Forum as the first step in an ongoing discussion of AFV issues under its jurisdiction, creating a foundation for possible future action by the Commission," the PUC said.

Notable questions issued by the PUC in advance of the forum include:

Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• What role, if any, should the Commission or electric distribution companies play in the education of consumers or permitting, installing, maintaining and inspecting of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)?

• What role, if any, should the Commission take to incent the build out of public EVSEs

• How will the widespread use of EVs affect the both the wholesale and retail price of electricity?

• How does the long term outlook for electric generation match-up with the introduction and growth of the EV market?

• What kinds of cost recovery/tariffs are appropriate to support the EV market? Are current tariffs adequate?

• What type of net-metering and/or ancillary service opportunities do EVs present for consumers?

Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs)
• How do we create a level playing field for utilities, retail natural gas suppliers, and fueling stations?

• Will there be sufficient competition to ensure fair pricing and adequate service by non-regulated NGV fueling stations?

• Who should undertake the consumer education or retail sales of NGV fuel – utilities, non-regulated utility affiliates or others