Senators debate changes to electric interconnection review for EV chargers and constructive approval timeline

A contested provision in the supplemental bill would extend the timeframe in which an electric distribution company application is deemed approved if the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) does not act from three months to six months. Senator Kelly A. Dooner argued the change would allow rate increases to take effect without full DPU review and “exposes ratepayers to higher, more unjustified cost increases.” She proposed removing the section from the bill.

Senator Michael Barrett and others opposed striking the provision. Barrett said extending to six months provides needed time for DPU engineering review and “queue management,” particularly to handle the growing demands that fast EV chargers would place on the grid. Barrett argued the proposal responds to practical interconnection planning and noted private developers and utilities are raising concerns about sufficient planning time.

Senator Schumer (asking questions on the record) and others pressed whether the constructive‑approval process could raise costs for ratepayers. Barrett responded that, in many cases, fast‑charger projects will be private business ventures that are financially supported by developer packages (for example, service plaza concessions alongside chargers) and that “the primary payment for the EV chargers is not going to go to the ratepayers at all” in many models. He said careful planning is required to avoid mis‑allocating costs.

Senators ordered recorded votes on amendments related to the electric infrastructure language; the floor debate emphasized the need to balance grid planning time, regulatory oversight and consumer protection. The transcript records extended discussion and multiple roll‑call entries; the chamber continued consideration of related amendments after the debate.