UEC is actively engaged in advancing the electric vehicle (EV) charging options within its service territory. UEC has offered members who install a Level 2 charger at their home or business a $200 rebate since 2019. Beginning in 2023, UEC has solicited grant funding to offer an additional $1,000 rebate for up to 25 residential members who install a Level 2 charger. The cost to install a Level 2 charger, including the device and installation labor, ranges between $750 and $2,500 depending on the condition of the premise. UEC’s combined rebate of $1,200 provides a significant portion of the total cost to purchase and install a Level 2 charger.
UEC is also evaluating EV-specific rate tariffs to provide innovative options to members owning and operating Level 2 and 3 charging facilities. These rate options will be designed to help spur EV charging infrastructure while also ensuring these high-load installations properly recover the cost to serve them. Additionally, UEC has ordered EVs for use within its fleet operations and is considering the installation of Level 2 chargers at its headquarters.
The chargers will be used to support its EV fleet vehicles and provide another charging point for the public. Beyond the light-duty EVs, UEC is also exploring how its fleet can benefit from adding Smart electrical PTOs to operate the hydraulics for heavy-duty bucket trucks. These advanced bucket trucks use large batteries to power their stationary operations instead of using the internal combustion engine, saving fuel, reducing emissions, and extending the operating life of the trucks.
UEC’s service territory is well-positioned to advance investment in additional EV charging infrastructure. 2 Interstate highways traverse the UEC territory. In Umatilla and Morrow counties, there are a combined 237 registered EVs according to Oregon Electric Vehicle Dashboard1. While there may only be a small number of UEC members that currently own EVs, it is highly likely that there are more EVs that travel through UEC’s service territory. UEC continues to investigate opportunities with state, regional, and federal agencies to identify additional locations for EV chargers and to obtain available grant dollars to help stimulate more local investment.
UEC’s service area aligns with major transportation arteries which has brought many transportation hubs to the area. As the EV industry quickly expands beyond light-duty vehicles and enters the trucking industry, UEC has had an opportunity to work with these heavy truck manufacturers, distribution centers, and prospective travel centers to understand their goals of electrifying and servicing commercial fleets. UEC’s work with these commercial trucking businesses to prepare for adding large electricity-consuming commercial charging infrastructure allows UEC to understand the magnitude and timing of needed distribution system upgrades.
UEC is active in the EV charging sector and continues to grow its experience with EVs and opportunities to help members enter the EV market.
UEC’s existing and expected future electric vehicle charging programs operate to promote the greater electrification of the transportation sector impacting its members. The existing UEC programs specifically promote (a) affordable charging options, (b) improve customer experience with electric vehicle charging, and (c) accelerate third-party investment in electric vehicle charging. UEC’s existing practices are adequate and sufficient to promote transportation electrification for its members and are consistent with the goals of PURPA.