In April 2021, the Commission approved $43.5 million in funding to extend SDG&E’s Pilot Program and support the installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces and multi-unit dwellings in SDG&E service territory. It set an equity requirement that 50 percent of sites be in underserved communities. UCAN supported positions for lower per port costs, lower rebates, non-utility ownership models, and a cost recovery mechanism that would better protect ratepayers from cost overruns. UCAN also supported TURN in its recommendation that the Commission order an audit of PYD Pilot program costs (which had a 54% cost overrun!) The effect of UCAN’s advocacy resulted in a lowered allowed average cost of $15,000 per-port (instead of SDG&E’s requested $21,605 per-port). Additionally, an audit was ordered of SDG&E’s accounting practices in the Pilot program which spent $70 million instead of the authorized $45 million. While supporting transportation electrification infrastructure (charging stations) UCAN advocates for minimizing costs and maximizing benefits for SDG&E ratepayers.
