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ORDER NO. PSC-2020-0512-TRF-EI <br /> DOCKET NO. 20200170-EI <br /> PAGE 5 <br /> EVgo, a competitive supplier of EV charging infrastructure, filed comments on October <br /> 5, 2020. EVgo contends that FPL's petition is premature as there has been no forum in Florida to <br /> discuss the appropriate role of utilities in owning and operating EV infrastructure. EVgo stated <br /> that, given that the role of the utility in owning and operating fast charging infrastructure has not <br /> been debated, FPL's proposed UEV tariff should be evaluated in FPL's next rate case. Finally, <br /> EVgo states that the proposed $0.30 per kWh rate creates an uneven playing field if the utility is <br /> granted the ability to recover costs of its public charging infrastructure. <br /> The Florida Petroleum Marketers Association, Inc. (FPMA) filed comments on <br /> November 10, 2020, objecting to FPL's petition. Specifically, the FPMA states that the <br /> Commission does not have the authority to approve pilot programs and does not have authority <br /> to permit tariffs for EV charging stations by public utilities. Furthermore, the FPMA asserts that <br /> the Commission should not adopt rates that are unfair and biased and that all ratepayers should <br /> not have to subsidize the EV infrastructure used by on a small minority of EV owners. <br /> FPL asserts that one of the goals of its petition is to learn more about EV driver needs and <br /> gather more specific usage and cost data to allow FPL to develop cost-based rates for EV <br /> charging services. The proposed UEV tariff is not cost-based, but based on a"market-rate." Fast <br /> charging rates vary by provider, by location, and the level of charging offered. We find FPL's <br /> calculation of the proposed UEV rate to be appropriate for the limited purpose of this pilot and <br /> that traditional cost-of-service based rates can not be accurately calculated at this early stage of <br /> utility-involvement in the EV market. We find that FPL's proposed market-based rate is <br /> reasonable in the limited context of approving pilot tariffs with the specific goal to collect cost <br /> and usage data for utility-owned fast charging stations. <br /> Section 339.287(2)(c)1, F.S., emphasizes the Legislature's intent for an adequate supply <br /> of reliable EV charging stations to support and encourage a competitive market. The proposed <br /> UEV tariff appears to be consistent with the legislative objectives of Section 339.287, F.S. <br /> Allowing FPL to participate in the EV infrastructure build-out in Florida by offering a utility- <br /> based rate as an option to EV customers during this nascent stage of EV adoption and the EV <br /> charging market development, promotes the public interest and should provide value to EV <br /> customers. We find that FPL's proposed tariff will facilitate the development of the competitive <br /> EV charging market by allowing the utility, together with other providers, to offer fast charging <br /> EV services. The increased availability of EV chargers will remove a barrier to adoption of <br /> electric vehicles in Florida. <br /> FPL is not seeking approval of the costs associated with the EVolution pilot in the instant <br /> docket. We are not prejudging recovery of the EVolution investment and we retain full discretion <br /> to evaluate FPL's request in the next rate case for recovery of its EVolution investment and its <br /> impact on the general body of ratepayers, including the benefits, if any, to the general body of <br /> ratepayers. <br /> FPL explained that the utility will work with the site hosts to determine which fast <br /> charging stations installed by FPL under the EVolution pilot will utilize the proposed UEV tariff. <br /> Any revenues collected pursuant to UEV tariff would be used by FPL to offset the revenue <br /> requirement associated with the EVolution facilities. For any FPL EVolution fast charging <br />