NYS approves discount programs for electric vehicle drivers

Syracuse, New York – Thanks to a new initiative by the state, electric vehicle drivers in New York State could soon save money.

The State Public Service Commission approved New York’s EV active and passive-managed charging programs on Thursday.

These programs will provide EV drivers with discounts if they are charging during ‘beneficial times’ for the grid, as an alternative to whole home ‘time-of-use’ rates.

The program is expected to generate $5 billion dollars in societal benefits through 2030.

I am proud to say New York leads the nation in clean energy innovation to combat climate change and bring environmental justice to impacted communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Today’s action brings us one step closer to a greener, emission-free future, and expands upon the benefits of electric vehicle ownership by providing added savings at a time when New Yorkers need it the most.

The program impacts customers of National Grid, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation.

The PSC also approved the ‘EV Make-Ready’ program, which provides funding for more than 50,000 new public and commercial Level 2 charging ports. These charging ports are capable of charging electric cars at least two times faster than a standard wall outlet. PSC also approved 1,500 public DC (direct current) fast charger ports.

Before the program began, there were just 4,571 publicly accessible chargers statewide.

EV charging ports in disadvantaged communities are eligible for a higher incentive by the state and investors, covering up to 100 percent of the costs to make a site ready for EV charging. The EV Make-Ready program is funded by major investor-owned utilities in New York State.

It creates a cost-sharing program that incentivizes utilities and charging port developers to develop EV charging infrastructure in places that will provide the most benefit to EV consumers.