What is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment?
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is the technical term for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the equipment necessary to supply energy to EV chargers. EVSE includes hardware, software, cables, connectors, and communications systems, to ensure EV drivers can safely charge their vehicles.
Regulated electric utilities may use ratepayer funds to build facilities to support EV charging following state law. The UTC does not regulate EVs, private chargers, or private companies that may provide EV charging such as gas stations or supermarkets.
UTC EVSE Guidance
In 2017, the Commission issued its first electric vehicle policy statement (EVPS) in docket UE-160799. Since then, Washington’s EV industry has continued to grow and evolve. The Commission is currently revising the guidance provided in the 2017 EVPS and expects to finalize these revisions in 2026. The updated guidance is intended to better reflect current day electric vehicle markets, technology, partnerships, and policies.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Regulated electric utilities in Washington develop Transportation Electrification Plans (TEP). TEPs explain how each utility intends to support transportation electrification efforts within a service territory. Regulated utilities develop TEPs in coordination with industry experts, environmental advocates, and most importantly, the public.
Even if you do not drive an EV, you can take part in the development of transportation electrification plans. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to take part and help shape the future of Washington’s transportation sector.
Learn More about Regulated EV Services and Offerings:
Washington state law requires regulated utilities to submit Transportation Electrification Plans (TEP) if they wish to recover funds to operate TE programs over a five-year period. TEPs are available for review if you wish to learn more about how each utility is supporting transportation electrification efforts in Washington.
- Avista Corporation: 2025 Transportation Electrification Plan
- Pacific Power: 2022 Transportation Electrification Plan
- Puget Sound Energy: 2021 Transportation Electrification Plan
How to Get Involved?
There are several ways to learn more and get involved in this work:
- Contact the UTC Records Division by email at Records@utc.wa.gov to sign-up for the UTC mailing list to receive notifications and updates for this docket;
- Email the staff contacts listed below;
- Call the UTC Consumer Protection division at (888) 333-9882 to learn more about how to take part in future workshops or open meetings; and/or
- Contact your electric utility to learn more about specific EV programs or services.
UTC Contact Information:
Andy Sellards
Andrew.Sellards@utc.wa.gov
360-664-1112
Chelsea Mickel
Chelsea.Mickel@utc.wa.gov
360-664-1304