MPSC approves Michigan’s first EV infrastructure programme

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) authorised Consumers Energy Co. to launch the state’s first electric vehicle infrastructure pilot programme.

Consumers will launch its PowerMIDrive pilot programme, a three-year, $10 million effort to support the growing electric vehicle (EV) market in Michigan through new rates, rebates and customer education. The programme includes a Nighttime Savers Rate to encourage EV drivers to charge their vehicles between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Residential EV drivers who sign up for the nighttime rate will be offered a $500 rebate for each EV. Consumers will also offer $5,000 rebates for chargers installed in public areas such as workplaces and multi-unit dwellings, and up to $70,000 in rebates for the installation of a DC Fast Charger.

The Commission approved Consumers' request to recover programme costs over five years through a deferred accounting mechanism. The Commission ruled the mechanism is an incentive for Consumers to support EV charger placement throughout Michigan, avoid expensive future capital infrastructure investments when EV use is anticipated to grow, and educate consumers about the benefits of off-peak charging.