The Nevada Public Utilities Commission has authorized NV Energy to spend $100 million over the next three years to increase the number of public electric vehicle charging stations for electric cars and trucks at key destinations and along the major travel corridors.
The firm will also support transit agencies, local governments, school districts and businesses as they deploy EVs.
“An M.J. Bradley & Associates analysis earlier this year found that Nevadans could realize $20 billion in economic benefits through 2050 by moving from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles, and this transition will also reduce air pollution, improve public health, protect the climate, and make the electricity system more efficient," Western Resource Advocates’ managing senior staff attorney, Cameron Dyer, said. "NV Energy’s investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an important step to get more electric vehicles on our roads.”
NV Energy intends to invest half of the amount in or on behalf of historically underserved communities. Non-profit organization CHR, Inc.’s CEO Mary House explained that these communities can benefit the most from the resulting cost savings and cleaner air.
The Nevada Representative of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Angie Dykema added, “People will benefit from this plan even if they don’t drive. We estimate that Nevadans will save more than $3 billion on their electricity bills through 2050 as a result of widespread electric vehicle deployment. That’s because electric vehicles can help us get more value out of the investments we make in our electricity grid.”
Vote Solar Regional Director Yara Marin said that more EVs will lead to more savings. Drivers are estimated to save over $14 billion over the next three decades in maintenance and fuel costs. Marin said they can save even more if they pair the EVs with rooftop solar. Moreover, this will create 25 new jobs per 1000 plug-in vehicles deployed in Nevada.
“Increased electric vehicles will help clean the air in Nevada’s cities, reducing the burden of asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases for our families,” added Melissa Ramos, Manager for Clean Air Advocacy with the American Lung Association. “This plan is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of all Nevadans.”
