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Minutes for HB2585 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Exempting the retail sale of electricity by public utilities for electric vehicle charging stations from the jurisdiction of the state corporation commission.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2020
Chairperson Seiwert opened the hearing on HB2585.
Matt Sterling, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill. Mr. Sterling responded to questions from the Committee. (Attachment 14) Chairperson Seiwert stated a fiscal note was provided from Larry Campbell.
Testimony was provided by these Proponents:
Justin Wilson, ChargePoint, spoke as a provider of electric vehicle charging equipment and network services. HB2585 would allow businesses to install a charging station with regulatory certainty while not being considered a utility. In response to questions from committee members, the conferee stated companies wishing to provide a charging station would purchase electricity at a retail price and provide service at variable charges. ChargePoint is a manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations and does not own or operate the stations; they sell the technology behind the charging stations. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides tentative guidance on pricing. Pricing/metering would be determined by the service provider. (Attachment 15)
Joseph Astrab, Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) supports HB2585 and hopes the bill will shift EV infrastructure and costs away from customers who have no use for EV charging. HB2585 properly places the costs associated with EV charging into the open market and prevents ratepayers who may not drive electric vehicles from subsidizing such costs. Utilities and EV charging station service providers should work together to provide a reasonable service at a reasonable price. The Conferee responded to questions from the committee. (Attachment 16)
Jeff McClanahan, Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), stated that this is a developing competitive market and ratepayers should not be a "backstop" for public utilities to develop changing technology or stranded assets. KCC can deal with requests by a utility on a case by case basis and ensure the competitive market is protected. The Conferee responded to a question about the need to charge and tax non-Kansas vehicles who travel our roads. (Attachment 17)
Mark Augustine, a member of Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas (PMCA) and National Association of Truck Stops (NATSO). A recent announcement about a National Charging Collaborative would expand EV charging locations to every corner of the nation. HB2585 is necessary for the repricing of electricity to build a network of refueling stations to support electric vehicles.The conferee answered questions from the committee. (Attachment 18)
Proponent written-only testimony was provided by:
- Laura Maag Lutz, Evergy (Attachment 19)
- Doug Shepherd, Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) (Attachment 20)
- Kelly Gilbert, Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) (Attachment 21)
Chairperson Seiwert closed the hearing on HB2585.
