Michigan has taken a significant step towards enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with the recent passage of legislation, HB 4706. The bill, which gained approval from the Michigan Senate earlier this week, had previously received backing from the Michigan House of Representatives in June.
Michigan Representative Sharon MacDonell commended the bipartisan effort, stating, “I applaud my colleagues in both parties and chambers who have voted to put this legislation on the Governor’s desk. I look forward to Governor Whitmer signing the legislation to ensure that Michigan has sufficient charging infrastructure for the electric vehicle transition.”
HB 4706 introduces provisions allowing EV charging station operators to resell electricity to EV owners without adhering to the same regulations imposed on utilities. The distinction between EV charging providers and utilities will be officially defined by the Michigan Public Service Commission, as outlined in a substitute for HB 4706 dated November 8, 2023.
The legislation states, “An entity that provides electric vehicle charging services is not a public utility and may not be prohibited from charging a customer for electric vehicle charging services on a volumetric basis.”
This distinction holds significance as it opens avenues for increased investment in Michigan’s EV stations, granting them access to federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. The NEVI Formula Program, designed to expedite the establishment of a national EV charging network, becomes accessible to EV charging stations in the state.
Michigan has recently solidified its commitment to clean energy through a series of bills. Key measures include a 100% clean electricity standard by 2040, requiring utilities to progressively source 50% of their electricity from renewables by 2030 and 60% by 2035, an energy storage standard of 2.5GW by 2030, and the facilitation of increased electric utility energy efficiency savings and goals. These initiatives position Michigan on an accelerated path towards utilizing carbon-free sources by 2040.
