The California Public Utilities Commission and NRG Energy have entered into an agreement where NRG will build a comprehensive
electric vehicle (EV) charging network in California, investing
approximately $100 million over the next four years.
This fee-based charging network will consist of at least 200 publicly
available fast-charging stations -- installed in the San Francisco Bay
area, the San Joaquin Valley, the Los Angeles Basin and San Diego
County -- which can add 50 miles of range in less than 15 minutes of
charging. Additionally, NRG's EV infrastructure commitment will include
the wiring for at least 10,000 individual charging stations located at
homes, offices, multifamily communities, schools and hospitals located
across the State.
"With this agreement, the people of California will gain a charging
infrastructure ready to support their current and future fleet of
electric vehicles," said David Crane, NRG's chief executive officer.
"And we will be helping the State meet its clean car goals as embodied
by its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate."
The agreement, pending approvals and finalization, resolves outstanding
litigation arising out of a long-term electricity contract entered into
over a decade ago by a subsidiary of Dynegy Inc., then a co-owner with
NRG of the portfolio of power generating plants currently owned by NRG
in California. NRG assumed full responsibility for resolving this matter
in 2006 when NRG acquired Dynegy's 50 percent interest in the assets.
The agreement calls for a network that will bring:
-- A minimum of 200 direct current fast chargers to the state.
-- A minimum of 10,000 parking spaces retrofitted with wiring necessary
to charge EVs at multifamily buildings, large worksites and civic
sites such as universities and hospitals.
Training and jobs for the installation and maintenance of these
charging -- stations in California.
-- Advanced charging services that increase the speed and power of direct current
fast charging, store electricity to minimize peak-period demand, and
enable EV drivers to support electrical grid reliability with needed
energy services through vehicle to grid technology enhancement and
implementation.
-- Significant additional investment in California's clean technology
economy and hundreds of jobs in construction and EV infrastructure
manufacturing, maintenance and management.
-- Approximately $100 million in infrastructure investment over four
years, and $20 million in cash to go to the California Public Utility
Commission.
