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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Public Service Commission made major changes to New York’s electric vehicle “make-ready” program to speed up the transition to zero-emissions electric vehicles. Today’s changes are designed to accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure to combat range anxiety and ensure New Yorkers have access to convenient and reliable EV charging. Combined, the programs announced today are expected to stimulate $4 billion in total investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. More and more New Yorkers are going electric every day, with 175,000 electric or plug-in hybrid EVs on the road today, and approximately 3 million anticipated by 2030.

“To reach our nation-leading climate goals, New York is energizing our transition to a clean transportation future,” Governor Hochul said. “More New Yorkers are making the switch to electric vehicles, and we’re working hard to build accessible charging infrastructure across the state. The program improvements announced today will encourage more people to own EVs, helping to build a clean and sustainable future.”

Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “The PSC has long recognized the importance of the electrification of the transportation sector in the attainment of New York State’s climate goals. To advance these goals, the PSC has adopted policies to incentivize the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and today’s decision moves forward with our nation-leading EV programs.”

The changes approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) include increasing the overall ratepayer-funded EV Make-Ready Program from $701 million to $1.24 billion, with $372 million in funding to support programs in disadvantaged communities, a sharp increase from the previous budget of $206 million. The budget increase included expanding the direct current fast charging program target from 1,500 to 6,302 charging stations, along with higher incentive levels to accelerate the build-out of EV charging infrastructure across New York.

Investments in disadvantaged communities increased by 81 percent to $372 million across several programs, ensuring all New Yorkers benefit from the investments in clean transportation. Today’s decision introduced a new, innovative micro-mobility make-ready program, supporting charging infrastructure for e-bike, e-scooters and other forms of electric mobility in disadvantaged communities through New York.

Also today, the medium- and heavy-duty make-ready pilot budget designed for commercial customers more than doubled to $58 million, paired with increased flexibility for applicants regarding eligible costs and vehicles, targeting emission reductions in disadvantaged communities. The PSC expects the modifications to the medium- and heavy-duty make-ready pilot will unlock investment in this important sector, and generate critical experience for fleet owners and utilities, as the Commission considers broader programmatic needs in a separate proceeding.

Finally, the PSC approved new beneficial rates and programs for commercial EV-charging customers in a separate order. Under the new programs, commercial EV-charging will be eligible for rebates or subsidies of up to 50 percent of the demand charge costs on their delivery bills. Commercial EV-charging customers in downstate New York will also be eligible to participate in new managed charging programs to unlock even more savings that are also beneficial to the grid. Commercial managed charging programs are still under development in upstate New York and are expected to be available in 2024.

VP of Public Policy at Lyft Caroline Samponaro said, “Electrifying our transportation network is a crucial step in helping reverse the negative impacts of climate change, a goal we share with the State of New York. That’s why the investments being made here today are so important. They will help break down the primary barriers to widespread EV adoption, while also allowing us to charge Citi Bike ebikes on the street. We applaud Governor Hochul and the Department of Public Service for their leadership on this crucial issue.”

President and CEO of CALSTART John Boesel said, “Today’s announcement from Governor Hochul sets the table for a comprehensive transition to electrified transportation, New York’s new and improved programs will bring the benefits of clean transportation to more drivers, fleets, and communities, with a much-needed focus on delivering expanded access and cleaner air to disadvantaged communities.”

Chief Asset and Capital Management Officer at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Shaan Mavani said, “These changes announced by Governor Hochul and the PSC are critical for the feasibility of micro-mobility and EV charging initiatives that NYCHA is piloting or exploring, to benefit NYCHA residents and the broader communities around our properties, and for us to contribute to the State’s and City’s ambitious EV charging and climate plans.”

CEO and Co-Founder of Revel Frank Reig said, “Governor Hochul has opened the door to EVs in New York, and with them a promise of a cleaner future for our state, Revel is bringing the largest network of public fast charging infrastructure to the communities that will benefit most from zero-emission EVs. The Governor’s new buildout program ensures our commitment to NYC will succeed.”

Co-founder and President of Livingston Jason Zarillo said, “Livingston Energy Group applauds the governor and the PSC for their ongoing commitment to driving EV adoption. We are committed to deploying the necessary EV infrastructure and have invested tens of millions of dollars into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, along with adding over one hundred employees to our New York locations. We have installed thousands of chargers throughout New York, with many of our customers leveraging the benefits of the Make Ready program. It is programs like this that enable consumers to feel confident in purchasing EVs.”

Director Grid Modernization Strategy at Environmental Defense Fund Pamela MacDougall said, “We commend Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission for continuing to prioritize vehicle charging and significantly expanding accessibility of funds to disadvantaged communities. The expansion of funds for electric vehicle charging further solidifies New York as a national leader in supporting the transition to electric vehicles, a necessary step in reaching the state’s ambitious climate goals. Environmental Defense Fund will continue to support the State through the necessary next steps in implementing and expanding medium- and heavy- duty vehicle charging infrastructure.”

New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State’s nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $55 billion in 145 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

Today’s decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 18-E-0138 [EV Supply Equipment and Infrastructure] and 22-E-0236 [Alternatives to Traditional Demand-Based Rate Structures for Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging] 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.

John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (631) 608-1346.