In Connecticut more and more Direct Current (DC) fast charging stations are being deployed along state highways as a solution to charge an electric vehicle while away from home. However due to their size, these fast charging stations are placed on a commercial rate that includes both energy and demand-based billing components. Since these stations operate at their full capacity for only short periods of time, they need to only be used by one electric vehicle customer to hit their peak demand.
The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) requested an Electric Vehicle Rate Rider Pilot (EVRRP) as a solution to mitigate the high demand charges. This will allow for a more rapid deployment of fast charging stations by the State of Connecticut and will allow CL&P to gather data more quickly regarding issues surrounding public charging stations, including their use levels, rates, and technology. The data will be shared and will help guide the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) ultimate decision on the appropriate rate for electric vehicles.
Under the EVRRP, a customer would be billed for electric service during a given month on the basis of: (a) the monthly customer charge, (b) the equivalent per kWh charges for the demand-related portions of the distribution, transmission and competitive transition assessment (CTA) components of service, and (c) on a per kWh basis for all other charges specified under the applicable rate schedule. CL&P proposed to bill pilot participants for DC fast charging on the pilot rate, derived from the standard rate applicable to the rest of the load of the facility where the station is located, which is separately metered.