Environment

PG&E, Diverse Coalition Propose Huge Boost in EV Charging Stations in Underserved Communities

Published

9 years ago

March 26, 2016

The Greenlining Institute and a coalition of diverse groups representing electric vehicle service providers, environmentalists, electric vehicle drivers, automakers, community choice aggregators, and labor unions joined with Pacific Gas and Electric yesterday to submit a proposed settlement to the California Public Utilities Commission for a three-year pilot program to accelerate deployment of electric vehicle charging stations.Advocates expect the program to boost EV adoption in low-income communities and communities of color by making charging facilities accessible in these communities.

“With this settlement, PG&E becomes a national leader in increasing access to EV charging in low-income communities and communities of color, the communities that most need the clean air and cost savings from electric cars,” said Joel Espino, Environmental Equity Legal Counsel at the Greenlining Institute.

“We commend PG&E’s commitment to making clean electric cars a reality for Californians of all income levels. This will add to progress already made by policies like the Charge Ahead California Initiative in making clean transportation available to all, regardless of income or ZIP code,” he said.

Key elements of the settlement, which still must be approved by the CPUC, include:

The pilot program will target a deployment of 7,500 level 2 charging ports and 100 DC fast-charging ports;

Charging stations will be deployed at multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and destination locations such as shopping centers;

The total budget is not to exceed $160M and will ensure that the cost to a typical residential customer is less than the $2.75 per year cost approved in January in the San Diego Gas & Electric EV charging infrastructure pilot program;

PG&E will set aside $5 million for equity programs aimed at complementing Charge Ahead California Initiative (SB 1275, De León) programs and further increasing access to EVs in low-income communities and communities of color;

PG&E will deploy at least 15 percent of its charging stations in the most disadvantaged communities in PG&E’s service territory. In addition, the company agrees to a stretch goal of deploying an additional five percent of charging stations in the most disadvantaged communities in its territory or other areas with a high concentration of low-income CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy Program) customers.

The full text of the proposed settlement can be downloaded at http://greenlining.org/issues/2016/settlement-agreement-to-deploy-charging-stations-in-pge-service-territory/

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
X: twitter.com/blackpressusa

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Business

Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Tackle Rising Electric Bills

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to help alleviate the financial burden of skyrocketing electric bills on residents. This directive instructs the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Energy Commission to identify strategies to lower electricity costs and prevent rapid increases in the future.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Among the key actions proposed, the governor emphasized a closer examination of utility expenditures related to wildfire mitigation, which accounts for about 13% of residential electric bills.

Newsom underscored the state’s commitment to balancing affordability with environmental goals.

“We’re taking action to address rising electricity costs and save consumers money on their bills,” said Newsom. “California is proving that we can address affordability concerns as we continue our world-leading efforts to combat the climate crisis.”

California now has the second-highest electric rates in the country, trailing only Hawaii, with residential bills having surged as much as 110% over the past decade. The largest utilities, including Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, have seen rate hikes of 20% to 50% in just the last three years, approved by the state’s regulatory bodies.

The executive order also directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to explore increasing the California Climate Credit, which provides some relief on energy costs for residents. Additionally, the PUC is urged to pursue federal funding opportunities to further reduce electric expenses.

While consumer advocates welcomed the governor’s focus on lowering costs, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to essential clean energy programs. CALPIRG, a consumer group, pointed out that the real issue behind high utility bills is wasteful spending by utilities and urged greater accountability.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

California Ports to Receive Over $1 Billion in Federal Funds to Decarbonize

Last week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will allocate over $1 billion to seven California ports for zero-emission (ZE) infrastructure and climate management plans. In an Oct. 29 press release, Padilla said this funding, part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports nationwide.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

In an Oct. 29 press release, Padilla said this funding, part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports nationwide.

Among the grants, the Port of Los Angeles received over $411 million, the largest award in the country. California ports are vital to the national economy, handling about 40% of containerized imports and 30% of exports.

“California’s ports move the goods that power our economy. This historic investment in our ports is a major step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said Padilla.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka and fellow port officials echoed Padilla’s sentiments, with plans to acquire over 400 pieces of ZE cargo handling equipment, reducing emissions by 41,500 tons annually.

“This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change while accelerating the port industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Seroka.

Other ports, including Oakland, Stockton, San Diego, and San Francisco, will also use their grants to transition to ZE operations, improve regional air quality, and create job opportunities.

The EPA’s funding will support various projects, from electrifying cargo terminals to establishing the first high-speed zero-emission ferry network in the U.S. Ports will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure these investments benefit their surrounding communities.

The port of Hueneme in Ventura County and the Port of Redwood City on the Southern San Francisco Bay will also receive funding, respectively.