Established over 150 years ago, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is a utility company in Washington State that has dedicated itself to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy services to the communities it serves. With the prioritizing customer service and community well-being throughout its history, PSE is now striving to make positive contributions in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs).
Advancing sustainability efforts, with a focus on deep decarbonization and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the company aims to become coal-free by 2025, achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and transition to 100% clean electricity by 2045. Central to these goals is the company’s incentive scheme to support the wider adoption and use of EV charging stations.
In this article, we’ll take a look at…
● The company’s EV charging scheme
● The advantages the scheme offers
● How you can be part of it
PSE’s EV charging scheme
As an electric and natural gas utility, PSE is playing a crucial role in Washington's clean energy transition. With numerous mandates such as the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), and the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), PSE is proactively addressing the need for EV charging infrastructure across Washington state.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, PSE’s “Up & Go Electric for Public” program is removing barriers that may hinder property owners from installing public EV charging stations. Their initiative offers comprehensive support, covering up to 100% of the costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of public charging stations.
Cars and vans are, by far, the biggest culprit in transport CO2 emissions. So PSE’s incentive scheme is opening the doors to an easier and faster transition toward cleaner transportation options and the wider use of EVs.
The advantages of the scheme
PSE's initiative to incentivize the installation of EV charging stations offers numerous benefits for businesses, property owners, and communities alike.
Cost coverage
Through the Up & Go Electric for Public program, PSE covers up to 100% of the costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of public EV charging stations. This financial assistance significantly reduces the burden on property owners, making it more feasible to invest in sustainable infrastructure. By removing any financial risk from the equation, stakeholders can play their part in a greener future without having to worry about how it might impact their bottom line.
Flexibility and control
With options for both PSE-owned and customer-owned charging stations, stakeholders can choose the ownership model that best suits them. The customer-owned option, for instance, provides property owners with full control over the charging stations, allowing them to manage the system any way they like. With a per-port incentive of up to $2,000 (and up to $40,000 per DC Fast Charger port installed), the scheme makes both sound financial and environmental sense.
Revenue generation
While environmental factors may be the prime driving force behind installing EV charging stations, property owners who opt for the customer-owned option have the opportunity to generate revenue from them as well. Additionally, owners can earn Washington state Clean Fuel Standard credits, further enhancing the financial incentives associated with EV charging infrastructure. It might be a curious truth that people will only save the planet if they can do it cost-effectively, but that’s the way it is.
Enhanced incentives for underserved communities
Through its Empower Mobility program, PSE focuses on projects that directly benefit historically underrepresented communities. By providing enhanced incentives and services for these projects—including up to 100% of costs covered and incentives of up to $4,000 per level 2 charger port, and $80,000 per fast charger port—PSE aims to address disparities in access to clean transportation options and promote environmental equity.
Comprehensive support
Regardless of the ownership option chosen, participants in PSE's EV charging station program receive comprehensive support throughout the process. From initial application to installation and ongoing management, PSE's expertise and guidance ensure a smooth and successful experience for all stakeholders.
How the program works
For businesses and property owners choosing the PSE-owned option, the process begins with submitting an application outlining the project details. PSE then provides all the help needed, guiding applicants through planning, installation, and ongoing management of the charging station.
On the other hand, those choosing the customer-owned option follow a similar application process but retain full ownership and control over their charging stations. Upon successful installation and inspection, customers will receive their incentives from PSE.
Become part of a cleaner future
Puget Sound Energy's incentives for electric vehicle charging stations will hopefully result in a significant uptake in EV usage. By removing any technical headaches and financial risk from the EV charging equation, the company is standing firmly by its commitment to clean energy. All we need now are stakeholders ready to partner with PSE—a process that is literally as simple as filling in a quick online form.
If you would like to join PSE’s Up & Go Electric for Public scheme and play your part in creating a cleaner future for everyone, you can apply here.