New legislation in Oklahoma regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has received widespread accolades. The legislation could serve as a benchmark for other states.
The law promotes a fair playing field for the construction of more EV charging stations, without burdening the public with the costs.
According to KOCO, the law prohibits power companies from billing customers for the construction and operation of EV charging stations. If a power company wants to build an EV charging station, it will have to do so at its own expense.
This development has been lauded by EV charging advocates. Ryan McKinnon, a representative for the Charge Ahead partnership, said that the new law was a “gold standard” for charging legislation.
Without the law, power companies would be able to rip off electric customers in order to lower charging costs for EV drivers. These sorts of situations are already occurring in states like Colorado and New Mexico, which don’t have comparable laws.
By facilitating open competition, the law encourages business investments in EV charging infrastructure. This will encourage the establishment of more charging stations across the state.
Businesses can reap major financial rewards by installing EV charging stations.
Consumer surveys indicate that 9 in 10 EV drivers stop into nearby stores while they wait for their EVs to charge. Most of these individuals will make small- to medium-scale purchase inside the stores.
And of course, businesses charge drivers to use the EV charging stations.
Business can also use EV charging as a way to build customer loyalty. If they so choose, they can offer free charging to repeat customers.
Oklahoma’s new EV charging law became effective on November 1.
