Bill > S2316

This bill establishes a comprehensive Resilient Electric Vehicle Charging System Pilot Program that creates two key funds and sets up a novel approach to electric vehicle (EV) charging during extended power outages. The program requires the Department of Public Utilities to develop regulations for an EV microgrid system that uses small-scale hydroelectric power generation (2.0 megawatts or less) without fossil fuels, designed to provide uninterrupted charging during power outages lasting 24 hours or more. As part of the program, participants must allocate 5% of their EV charging revenues to two specific funds: a River Restoration Fund managed by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) to support environmental justice, river restoration, and community education projects, and a Veterans and Emergency Responders' Fund that will provide direct financial support to state-operated veterans' homes. The bill also mandates that these microgrids include infrastructure to support emergency radio communications and free public WiFi during outages. Additional requirements include obtaining LIHI certification for hydropower generation and creating an expedited utility interconnection process. The Department of Public Utilities must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's progress, including the number of microgrids established, energy generation, and contributions to the two funds.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2316