Opportunity for Private Investment in EV Charging in Georgia

In 2023, Georgia passed Senate Bill 146, concluding two years of collaboration with lawmakers and other stakeholders on policies that will provide Georgia electric vehicle (EV) drivers with the public fast charging services they desire. Through the passage of SB 146 Georgia became a leader in facilitating a faster, and more cost-effective buildout of the EV charging network by limiting ratepayer subsidization of EV charging stations.

SB 146 promotes private investment in EV charging in Georgia by limiting the ability of electric utility Georgia Power to compete in this market through the ongoing Community Charger Program. Through this program, Georgia Power can own and operate up to 11 fast chargers per year in rural and remote locations by ratebasing the cost of the charging station.

Private entities have the opportunity to serve areas that Georgia Power has identified as “in need” of fast charging services by exercising a “right of first refusal.” The right of first refusal allows private entities the ability to claim a location within 15 miles of a site identified by Georgia Power station.

In the event that no private businesses desire to install a fast charger, Georgia Power can build and operate the EV charging station. This is the second year that the right of first refusal process has been in place and last year multiple local retailers claimed locations identified by Georgia Power.

On March 6, 2024, Georgia Power filed its revised community charger program plan, which outlines eleven potential EV charging locations across the state. Businesses operating in Georgia have until May 5, 2024, to express interest in offering EV charging services within 15 miles of the proposed locations outlined below.

If you currently possess or partner with a location within 15 miles of any of the listed sites and intend to offer EV charging services, you should consider expressing your desire to do so rather than watching Georgia Power to use ratepayer funds to build and operate EV chargers. If you “claim” a location, you will be required to commence construction of the EV charging station within the next 18 months, otherwise the location will revert back to Georgia Power.

To express your desire to install an EV charger and assert your right of first refusal, you can file a letter with the Georgia Public Service Commission via e-file and hard copy.

We have written a sample letter below for your convenience.

Sample Letter to the GPSC:

Ms. Sallie Tanner
Executive Secretary
Georgia Public Service Commission
244 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334-5701

Re: Georgia Power Company’s 2024 Community Charging Plan; Docket No. 44280

Dear Ms. Tanner:

As per the Order Adopting Settlement Agreement as Modified in Docket No. 44280 by the Georgia Public Service Commission, please accept this as an exercise of right of first refusal and notice of intent to provide an electric vehicle charging station within 15 miles of the specified location: [XXXX] [Provide city, zip code, and intersection details]. This location is currently featured on Georgia Power’s revised 2024 Community Charging Plan that was filed on March 6, 2024.

For any inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact [XXXX] at [phone number & email]. We look forward to supporting and working with you as we enter this new phase of private investment in EV charging services in Georgia.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Company/organization]