California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

_________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: R.09-08-009

CPUC ADDRESSES REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO CREATE VIBRANT MARKET FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

SAN FRANCISCO, July 29, 2010 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today concluded that companies that sell electric vehicle charging services to the public will not be regulated as "public utilities" pursuant to the Public Utilities Code.

The CPUC is evaluating alternative-fueled vehicle policies to ensure California's investor-owned electric utilities are prepared for the projected statewide growth of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles throughout California, per Senate Bill 626 (Kehoe, Chapter 355, Statutes of 2009).

The CPUC's actions today provide clarity regarding the CPUC's regulatory role in the market for electric vehicle charging services. The CPUC's decision finds that the sale of electric vehicle charging services to the public does not make a corporation or person a public utility solely because of that sale, ownership, or operation. The decision also identifies ways in which the CPUC can exercise its regulatory authority to ensure that electric vehicle charging occurs in manner that is consistent with the capabilities of the electric grid.

"Electric transportation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality, and reduce California's dependence on oil," said CPUC Commissioner Nancy E. Ryan. "Consumers will not adopt electric vehicles without adequate charging infrastructure. This decision provides needed regulatory clarity to encourage the state's entrepreneurs and investors to develop charging solutions that will satisfy consumer needs and work harmoniously with the electric grid. "

The proposal voted on today is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/word_pdf/AGENDA_DECISION/121242.pdf.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

###