Public Utilities Commission Dismisses Proceeding on Income-Qualified Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado has dismissed a proceeding on the income-qualified electric vehicle rebate program, citing it as moot in light of the Commission's final decision in Proceeding No. 23A-0242E. The Commission accepted a petition for declaratory order from the Colorado Energy Office in November 2023, requesting clarification on the administration of the program. The decision to dismiss the proceeding was made on November 14, 2024, and is effective upon its issued date.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado dismissed a proceeding on the income-qualified electric vehicle rebate program as moot on November 14, 2024, citing the Commission's final decision in Proceeding No. 23A-0242E.
  • The proceeding was initiated by the Colorado Energy Office in November 2023 to clarify the administration of the program under the 2021-2023 Transportation Electrification Plan.
  • The Commission was requested to issue a declaratory order to clarify that customers must be allowed to access both the public service company's income-qualified electric vehicle rebate and the state EV tax credit, as required by HB 23-1272.
  • The Commission approved a settlement term in April 2024, which addressed the petition and rendered any outstanding questions raised in the proceeding moot.
  • The 2021-2023 Transportation Electrification Plan is no longer in effect, and the 2024-2026 plan has been approved by the Commission.
  • The Commission's decision to dismiss the proceeding was made in accordance with section 40-6-114, C.R.S., which requires a 20-day period for filing applications for rehearing.

Statistics:

  • $5 million: the cap on the rebate for the three-year plan period under the Transportation Electrification Plan.
  • $5,500: the upfront rebate provided for new vehicles under the income-qualified electric vehicle rebate program.
  • $3,000: the upfront rebate provided for used vehicles under the income-qualified electric vehicle rebate program.
  • $0: the rebate amount after the cap is reached ($5 million).
  • 2021-2023: the plan period for the Transportation Electrification Plan.
  • 2024-2026: the plan period for the Transportation Electrification Plan approved by the Commission in April 2024.
  • 20 days: the period provided in section 40-6-114, C.R.S., for filing applications for rehearing after the Commission's decision is issued.
  • 2023: the year when House Bill 23-1272 was enacted, modifying the state EV tax credit and requiring utilities to allow customers to access both the state EV tax credit and a rebate through a utility rebate program.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C24-0822, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, November 14, 2024.
  • Decision No. C24-0223, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, April 10, 2024.
  • Decision No. C21-0017, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, November 1, 2023.
  • Section 39-22-516.7(11), C.R.S.
  • Section 40-6-112(1), C.R.S.
  • Section 40-6-114, C.R.S.