PUC In Retail Choice State Opens Review Of Whether EV Charging Providers Are Utilities, Light Co.
February 27,2020
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio opened an inquiry into the regulation of electric vehicle charging providers
R.C. 4905.02 provides, in relevant part, that "public utility" includes every
corporation, company, copartnership, person, or association, the lessees, trustees, or
receivers of the foregoing, defined in section 4905.03 of the Revised Code, except an electric
light company that operates its utility not for profit and except for a public utility that is
owned or operated by any municipal corporation. R.C. 4903.05 defines an "electric light
company" as a person, firm, copartnership, voluntary association, joint-stock association,
company, or corporation, wherever organized or incorporated, "engaged in the business of
supplying electricity for light, heat, or power purposes to consumers within this state."
PUCO stated, "The Commission notes that Staff has consistently taken the position that
entities which provide electric vehicle charging service are neither electric light companies
nor public utilities in this state. However, the Commission has never been presented with
this issue. Accordingly, the Commission seeks comments on whether any person, firm,
copartnership, voluntary association, joint-stock association, company, or corporation,
wherever organized or incorporated, which is providing Electric Vehicle charging service
in this state, is 'engaged in the business of supplying electricity for light, heat, or power
purposes to consumers within this state.'"