NRG Energy Moving Forward with Deployment of EV Charging Network in California

NRG Energy, through its eVgo subsidiary, is moving forward with its deployment of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network in California after FERC approved a settlement under which NRG Energy will deploy the network.

As previously reported, NRG Energy is deploying the network as part of a settlement to litigation related to the 2001 California energy crisis.

As part of the agreement, NRG is investing approximately $100 million over the next four years in the eVgo California charging network.

The fee-based eVgo charging network will consist of at least 200 publicly available fast-charging stations located at premier retail locations in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley, the Los Angeles Basin and San Diego County.

As part of the agreement, NRG will also facilitate EV ownership for Californians who live in apartment buildings and other multi-unit housing complexes and for Californians hoping to commute to work in an electric vehicle through its "make ready" commitment. eVgo will install the wiring (make readies) for at least 10,000 individual charging stations located at offices, multifamily communities, schools and hospitals.

NRG will install at least 20 percent of the fast charging stations in low income areas and ensure that mixed-income housing locations are identified, evaluated, and pursued for the individual charging station make readies.

In addition, NRG will contribute $20 million to the California Public Utility Commission for ratepayer relief.

The agreement resolves outstanding litigation arising out of a long-term electricity contract entered into over a decade ago by a subsidiary of Dynegy, Inc., then a co-owner with NRG of a portfolio of power generating plants in California. NRG inherited responsibility for resolving this matter in 2006 when NRG acquired Dynegy's 50% interest in the assets.