Illinois Commerce Commission policy session examines electric vehicle adoption, grid stabilization
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently held a policy session to explore the connection between electric vehicles (EVs) and grid stabilization.
“Electric vehicles are no longer the cars of the future,” ICC Acting Commissioner Anastasia Palivos said. “They are our present and have become a reasonable and acceptable alternative to traditional fossil fueled vehicles. At the same time, there are significant barriers EVs must overcome before becoming household norms, such as a lack of charging stations, battery storage capacity and electric grid load issues. The time is ripe for Illinois to engage in strategic conversations about policies that may encourage EV deployment, and what impact EVs may have on the grid.”
The policy session featured three panels consisting of subject matter experts. The first panel explores the “Benefits and Impacts of Electric Vehicles on Grid Stabilization,” the second dealt with existing policy and regulation and the third reviewed best practices and trends regarding rate structuring.
Illinois currently ranks sixth in the number of plug-in electric vehicles in the nation. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the state could provide approximately $43 billion in cumulative benefits by 2050 from reduced utility bills, carbon pollution and fuel and vehicle expenses. According to a recent analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, half of all new cars sold could be electric by 2040.
“Electric vehicles have great potential to help Illinois achieve a cleaner and more affordable energy future—but with this great opportunity comes great challenge,” David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, said. “We need to get ahead of the game and develop smart policy.”
