Program Dedicates $85 Million to Three Prize Competitions to Fund Innovative Electric Transportation Approaches That Improve Air Quality and Expand Access to Mobility in Disadvantaged Communities

Broader “Make-Ready Program” to Accelerate Deployment of More than 50,000 Charging Stations by 2025, Stimulate $1.5 Billion in New Investment, Provide More Than $2.6 Billion in Consumer Benefits and Economic Opportunities with $206 Million Dedicated to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today granted a request that projects located anywhere in New York State, regardless of whether those communities are directly served by investor-owned utilities, may be eligible to be selected in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) electric vehicle prize competitions.

“Under the nation-leading initiatives directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, we must rapidly electrify our transportation system in order to achieve a carbon-neutral economy,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “Allowing projects located anywhere in the state to be selected in the prize competition would allow statewide benefits to accrue, and allocating those costs to the customers that benefit, is appropriate. With these smart investments, we ensure that disadvantaged communities throughout New York State will receive direct benefits through innovative and equitable electric transportation solutions.”

The transportation sector is responsible for the largest contribution to greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S., with these emissions increasing more than any other sector over the last 30 years. Encouraging accelerated, forward-thinking development of charging infrastructure will provide New Yorkers with more than $2.6 billion in net benefits and supports the achievement of the State's transportation electrification and clean energy goals. Electrifying transportation will allow New Yorkers to power their vehicles with cleaner energy sources, with renewables representing a growing portion of the state's electricity supply. Thoughtful siting of charging infrastructure will support reduced installation costs, improve site host-acceptance and maximize use from drivers.

The EV Make-Ready Program is funded by investor-owned utilities in New York State and creates a cost-sharing program that incentivizes utilities and charging station developers to site electric vehicle charging infrastructure in places that will provide a maximal benefit to consumers. The Commission capped the total budget at $701 million and it will run through 2025, with $206 million allocated toward equitable access and benefits for lower-socio-economic and disadvantaged communities which will also be eligible for a higher incentive supporting up to 100 percent of the costs to make a site ready for EV charging.

The Long Island Power Authority, or LIPA, which made the original request with DPS, with its service provider, PSEG Long Island, has announced a goal to support 180,000 new EVs on Long Island with 4,650 new EV charging ports by 2025, beginning with a proposed 2021 investment of $4.4 million in make-ready infrastructure.

The Commission’s actions provides funding for the infrastructure required to support more than 50,000 Level 2 charging plugs, capable of charging a vehicle at least two times faster than a standard wall outlet, and 1,500 public direct current fast charger stations in New York in recognition of the essential role that public fast charging stations will play in the near term to allay range anxiety. Encouraging private investment in publicly accessible fast-charging stations will stimulate the EV market in New York over the coming years.

While the initial focus was on funding projects located in communities served by investor-owned utilities, the Commission said that the objectives to advance the State’s transportation electrification goals, expand access to clean transportation, and reduce emissions in disadvantaged communities are relevant across the entire State.

With its decision today, the Commission declared that the Clean Neighborhoods Challenge, the Electric Mobility Challenge, and the Electric Truck & Bus Challenge, collectively referred to as the “New York Clean Transportation Prizes” and being implemented by NYSERDA are open to projects located anywhere in the State. Projects located outside of the investor-owned utility service territories must be funded incrementally and are not eligible to access the $85 million in prize competition funds.

The Commission’s objectives to advance the State’s transportation electrification goals, expand access to clean transportation, and reduce emissions in disadvantaged communities should be pursued by all communities throughout the State, without regard to the particular electric service provider or regulatory framework that governs that service, and a coordinated, statewide approach is needed to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requirements, and that all New Yorkers should share in the benefits of the CLCPA.

Customers in Long Island and other regions of New York State that fall outside of the investor-owned utility service territories may now leverage the innovative prize competition design and administrative capabilities developed by NYSERDA for the “New York Clean Transportation Prizes”.

The CLCPA includes the requirements that all State agencies prioritize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in disadvantaged communities and that no less than 35 percent of the overall benefits of spending on clean energy programs benefit disadvantaged communities.

Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 18-E-0138 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.