Governor Rell Directs DPUC to Ensure

Connecticut Ready for Electric Vehicles

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today asked the Chairman of the Department of Public Utility Control to work closely with automakers and the state’s electric utilities to make sure Connecticut maintains its leadership role in encouraging and accommodating the “plug-in” electric vehicles that General Motors Corp. and others are planning.

            Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to be powered primarily by batteries charged through the existing electric power grid. Gasoline or other fuels serve as an auxiliary fuel if the rechargeable electric battery runs down.

            “EVs have enormous promise for helping us reduce our dependence on gasoline and cut the emissions of harmful pollutants,” Governor Rell said. “However, there is more to encouraging the use of EVs than simply plugging them in – we need to make sure the state’s electric infrastructure is ready for the additional demand, and we want to avoid problems that could crop up if, say, a high number of EVs are charging on a 98-degree summer day when power is at a premium for air conditioners and other devices. That is why it is important for the DPUC and our utilities to get ahead of the curve now.

            “The benefits to our planet, our businesses and families, not to mention the potential cost savings from a coordinated and intelligently planned roll-out of EVs, make Connecticut’s participation in EV integration discussions imperative,” the Governor said. “In a time of soaring energy prices, Connecticut has an opportunity to be a national leader in reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources and in integrating available technologies in a way that will reduce emissions and may potentially lower costs to consumers.”

            GM has announced it plans to market the Chevy Volt, an EV designed to run at least 40 miles per day on electricity, beginning in 2010. Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co. and others are also developing EVs.

            As part of the development of the Volt, GM is working with utility companies across the country to address issues such as the timing of EV recharges and possible incentives or special rates for EV drivers.

            In her letter to DPUC Chairman Donald Downes, Governor Rell cited a July 22, 2008 article in The Wall Street Journal concerning the development of EVs and directed the agency to ensure Connecticut utilities are actively involved in the discussions.