Due to concerns around usage and maintenance, the PSC has paused a state program to expand Maryland’s EV charging network.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has recently paused a program that allows Maryland utilities to use rate-payer funds to install new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The decision comes as part of a re-evaluation of the state’s EV infrastructure program, which was found to have lower usage and higher maintenance costs than expected. The move aims to assess the broad efficiency and effectiveness of the program as both state and national EV adoption has been slower than anticipated.
Currently, the program allows utilities to install charges at state, county, or municipal government-owned sites. Part of the PSC’s reassessment will be to evaluate if the program should be expanded to other locations, specifically focusing on underserved areas.
This pause comes amidst a broader effort by Maryland to align its EV goals with broader infrastructure investments, particularly in light of ambitious climate goals under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (i.e. reducing emissions by 60%, relative to 2006 levels, by 2031, and reach net-zero emissions by 2045.)
