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Retailers and fuel industry back bill limiting utility use of ratepayer funds for EV fast charging
Summary
Sheetz, Hightower Petroleum and other fuel retailers asked the Senate to approve bill language that limits electric utilities' use of customer rates to pay for EV fast chargers, arguing private retailers will invest if the market is kept competitive and utilities do not undercut private investment.
Representatives of Sheetz, Hightower Petroleum and other fuel and convenience retailers testified in favor of language in House Bill 96 that would restrict Ohio electric utilities from using ratepayer funds to underwrite direct ownership and operation of EV fast chargers in most commercial settings.
"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," Eric McCrumb, senior manager of EV and energy programs at Sheetz, told the committee. Witnesses argued private retailers are prepared to invest in charging infrastructure at their stores — an investment that depends on a level playing field.
Retailers and trade groups asked senators to adopt language mirroring Senate Bill 106 and to preserve the House language that creates narrow "areas of last resort" where utilities could participate in five years if private investment fails to build out a network in underserved rural areas. Opponents, represented elsewhere in testimony, warned about utility ownership narrowing competition; proponents said the bill protects consumers and keeps ratepayer dollars focused on core utility functions.
Ending: Committee will weigh the competing concerns of private investment, utility roles and consumer protection as it considers language for the final budget or a standalone bill.
