DES MOINES – The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order opening a rulemaking proceeding on the topic of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Docket No. RMU-2018-0100. The docket will provide stakeholders an opportunity to provide information to the board for potential rules regarding the regulatory treatment and guidance of EV infrastructure in Iowa.
The order allows public comments regarding EV infrastructure with a filing deadline to the board by Sept. 17. Additionally, the board will conduct a public workshop beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 in the board’s hearing room located at 1375 E. Court Ave. in Des Moines.
In a related docket (TF-2017-0305), the board issued an order refusing to issue a declaratory order in response to the July 27 petition filed by Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. and Truckstops of Iowa Inc. The petition requested a board order declaring whether electric energy sold for the purpose of EV charging at commercial or public stations is considered the resale of electric energy and whether fuel retailers may sell electric energy by the kilowatt-hour for the purpose of EV charging.
The board determined the questions raised in the petition have statewide impact and the rulemaking process established in docket RMU-2018-0100 is the appropriate proceeding to provide significant public notice and opportunity for public input.
During the 2018 legislative session, a bill was passed to examine electric vehicle charging, which directed the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Department of Transportation and Iowa utility industry to conduct a study of EV support for both commercial and noncommercial vehicles and make recommendations to the general assembly. The legislation requires the IEDA to submit the results of its report no later than June 30, 2019.
Persons with disabilities who will require assistive services or devices to observe or participate in the board’s EV workshop should contact the board’s customer service staff at 515-725-7300 at least 10 business days in advance of the scheduled workshop date to request appropriate arrangements be made.
