Public Electric Utility Services Authorization

Public electric utilities may provide electricity to charge electric vehicles (EVs) as unregulated or regulated services and may recover the costs of distribution system and infrastructure investments to accommodate EV charging. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must evaluate the impact EV charging revenue has on utility retail rates, which cannot exceed 0.5% of the total annual revenue requirements of the utility.

Public electric utilities are required to file an application with the PUC for widespread transportation electrification programs every three years. Programs may include investments or incentives to facilitate the deployment of customer- or utility-owned EV charging stations and associated electrical equipment, support the electrification of public transit and other vehicle fleets, create rate designs or programs that encourage EV charging, and conduct customer education, outreach, and incentive programs that increase awareness of transportation electrification.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 40-1-103, 40-3-116, and 40-5-107)