Alaska’s utility regulator has closed the book on a special rate for charging electric vehicles in Juneau.
In an order issued Wednesday, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska approved rates proposed by Alaska Electric Light and Power for equipment rented by AEL&P to electric vehicle owners.
Starting in 2010, AEL&P began offering an experimental “off-peak” rate for electric vehicle owners who charged their cars at night. At that time, it wasn’t clear whether there were any electric cars in the city. Six years later, there were hundreds, and AEL&P sought to end the experiment and create a permanent, slightly higher, rate for off-peak electric car charging. At the same time, it sought to set rental rates for equipment it lends to electric vehicle owners.
The Juneau Electric Vehicle Association challenged some aspects of the rates, but in October, the RCA approved AEL&P’s request for a power rate. The RCA declined to reconsider its decision, but it said it needed more information on the rental fee before making it effective. In November it said the new rate would be effective once AEL&P filed supplemental information. That was done in December, and RCA’s Wednesday decision followed.
• Contact reporter James Brooks at james.k.brooks@juneauempire.com or call 523-2258.
