Kentucky regulators approve EV charging stations for utilities

Dive Brief:

The Kentucky Public Service Commission this week authorized Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities Co. have each received approval to install 10 electric vehicle charging stations in each of their territories, WDRB.com reports.
The commission's order specified businesses will be able to host charging stations; the stations will include the latest safety features and will use digital display screens and quick-pay options.
The decision will add significantly to the state's EV charging infrastructure. Kentucky currently has about 30 public charging stations, 19 of which are in the LG&E and KU service territories.

Dive Insight:

Citing public demand, government support and increased electric vehicle adoption rates, the PPL Corp. utilities are significantly boosting charging infrastructure in their territories. The state's approval of the new infrastructure will more than double stations in the areas the utilities serve.

“Launching this new service, both in public access areas and for business customers interested in hosting charging stations, will further support electric vehicle drivers by improving their accessibility to regional charging stations,” Vice President of Customer Services John Malloy said in a statement.

Of the 19 stations currently operating in LG&E and KU territories, 13 are located at automotive dealerships.And the utilities say research from the Electric Power Research Institute shows more than over 750 plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles have been registered in the state since 2010.

“Through our existing electric infrastructure, this new utility service allows us to support our customers who are concerned about their transportation environmental footprint and own electric vehicles,” said Malloy.

The utilities expect to spend about half a million to install the charging infrastructure, the news outlet noted, and recover the investment through levying fees on drivers using the service.

The utility said it is "exploring locations" to host the new stations, in areas such as street parking, parking lots and other outdoor areas. Business customers interested in hosting charging stations can locate the stations anywhere on their property.

A copy of the commission's Monday order can be found here.