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Fuel retailers and convenience-store groups back limits on utility use of ratepayer funds for EV fast chargers
Summary
Representatives from Sheetz, Hightower Petroleum and other fuel-industry groups told the committee that EV fast charging investment should be led by private fuel retailers and not be subsidized through utility ratepayer funds; they supported bill language that limits utilities' ability to use ratepayer money for public fast chargers.
Representatives from large convenience-store operators and independent fuel distributors testified in favor of budget language that would restrict electric distribution utilities from using ratepayer funds to deploy EV fast charging infrastructure in competitive retail markets.
Eric McCrumb, senior manager of EV and energy programs at Sheetz, testified that recharging investments are substantial and that private retailers are ready to invest but need policy guardrails to avoid being undercut by utility-owned chargers using ratepayer dollars. "This legislation does not prohibit an electric utility from owning or operating a charging station, but it does place strict limitations on their ability to use ratepayer funds for such fast charging stations," McCrumb said.
Steven Hightower II, COO of Hightower Petroleum, and other retail leaders said they are planning investments and urged the committee to preserve language that creates a level playing field so private capital can compete. They supported amendments modeled on Senator Reineke's Senate Bill 106 that would allow utilities to participate under limited circumstances but prevent subsidized undercutting of private investments.
Witnesses said private retail networks often co-locate chargers with stores where customers can wait during charging, and they argued the policy would protect ratepayers from funding facilities that compete with private business. No formal legislative action occurred in the hearing; witnesses provided budget- and policy-related testimony.
