The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission recently approved an Order that will accelerate the electrification of Minnesota’s transportation sector by calling on the state’s electric utilities to support the adoption of electric cars, trucks and buses. Transportation is the leading cause of greenhouse gas pollution in the state and across the country, and transitioning to cleaner options is a good climate action move.

The Commission determined that transportation electrification supports all Minnesotans’ interest in cleaner, more affordable electricity and that the benefits of plugging in Minnesota’s vehicles will be maximized if utilities help to make sure they are charging at the right times. A recent study found that these benefits could total over $30 billion dollars by 2050 if electric vehicles are widely adopted.

In light of these benefits, the Commission asked utilities to take near-term action to help overcome current challenges related to infrastructure, electricity rates, and public awareness and education. Utilities must report their proposed programs and investments to the Commission and stakeholders by March, 2019. Proposals must include efforts that will help alleviate vehicle pollution in communities that are disproportionately impacted, as well as programs that will improve access to clean transportation options for all customers, including low-income customers.

In response, Sierra Club’s Associate Attorney, Joe Halso, released the following statement:

“We applaud the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for its leadership in addressing the need for utility action to help plug in our cars, trucks and buses to cleaner electric power”. “The PUC's Order moves us step closer to realizing the health and economic benefits that clean transportation can deliver to all Minnesotans.”

Nighttime vehicle charging, when electric demand is low and there's an excess of wind-generated power on the electric grid, can also help make electricity more affordable.