CPUC Says Charging Providers Are Not Public Utilities

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decided yesterday that companies which will provide charging solutions for electric vehicles are not to be considered public utilities, opening the doors for a bitter competition between those activating in this field. As was to be expected, most charging solutions providers have expressed their satisfaction when hearing the decision.

“This is very good news for consumers because it allows businesses to compete and where there is competition, prices are lower and product quality improves,” Jonathan R. Read, ECOtality president said when hearing the decision.

“While we believe electric vehicle infrastructure can be viable in diverse utility regulatory settings, we value an open, innovative business environment, and are gratified to see California’s regulators are supportive of that position.”

CPUC decided that providing charging solutions does not make individuals or companies public utilities because of that sale, ownership, or operation of the stations.

The regulatory body will still have to find ways to ensure the integration of the charging stations into the electricity grid. CPUC says that consumers will not adopt electric vehicles without the proper infrastructure in place, and that cannot be done is providers are considered public utilities.

“This outcome will encourage competitive market forces to bring benefits to consumers and ensure rapid deployment of the charging infrastructure,” Richard Lowenthal Coulomb Technologies CEO stated.

“We applaud the decision as it not only enables a competitive framework for the California market, but will set an important precedent for other key states and for the nation.”