On July 18, 2023, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it has launched two new programs in California designed to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for underserved communities as a way to increase EV adoption.[1] Citing a study from CalMatters that analyzed data from the California Energy Commission (CEC), PG&E pointed out that high upfront vehicle costs, lack of chargers for renters, and inadequate access to public charging stations in underserved communities are limiting EV expansion among these populations.

Through the Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger pilot programs, the utility hopes to address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in the region. The Empower EV program will provide income-eligible customers up to $2,500 in incentives to help cover the costs of installing EV charging infrastructure at single-family residences. In addition, Level 2 chargers will be provided free to approximately 2,000 eligible customers, and up to $2,000 in panel upgrades will be offered per eligible household, up to 800 homes. Through the Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program, PG&E plants to install approximately 2,000 Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at 450 multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses, with priority given to properties within low-income, rural, tribal, and other priority populations. The chargers will be provided at no cost to property owners, and the utility will cover two years of networking and software fees.

[1] https://www.pge.com/en_US/about-pge/media-newsroom/news-details.page?pageID=029f3373-c807-4cf1-bfbf-6c65ed571f48&ts=1689881980044