Michigan is looking down the road to the future, and many people see cars running on electricity or other alternative fuels. Now, state officials are beginning to plan for the infrastructure to fuel electric and natural gas vehicles.
The Michigan Public Service Commision said they’re seeking public input before a conference in August to tackle issues around charging stations for alternative fueled vehicles.
Nick Assendelft is a spokesperson for the Michigan Agency for Energy and Public Service Commision.
“There’s a lot of increased interest in alternative fueled vehicles," he said, "and the Michigan Public Service Commission wants to be clear about what its’ rule is in deciding such issues as who pays for charging stations, who owns them, who installs them, and what’s the impact on utility rate payers. If that system is built on public roads, who benefits from that and how are the costs recouped by the utility, or by a vendor, or by a private business”.
Assendelft said the state want to get input from charging equipment suppliers, transportation planners, auto companies, and utility companies. He says building a foundation now will help Michigan’s alternative fuel infrastructure grow.
You can mail comment letters to “Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909” or email them to mpscedockets@michigan.gov
The commission said letters must be received before July 31st, 2017
The technical conference for the impact of alternative fuel vehicles on the state’s utility infrastructure is scheduled for August 9, 2017 at MPSC’s office at 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing.