America's transportation sector is the top source for producing harmful carbon emissions and in San Diego it accounts for more than half of all carbon emissions. Aiming to help solve the problem, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) filed a series of proposals with the California Public Utilities Commission to install tens of thousands of electric charging stations in new, key areas to encourage the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs), trucks, shuttles, and delivery fleets, among other areas.

"SDG&E has spent more than a decade reducing our carbon footprint through the rapid expansion of clean energy. We all want to breathe cleaner air, which means slowing down the impacts of climate change will require an increased focus on the areas that produce the most harmful emissions," said Caroline Winn, chief operating officer of SDG&E. "We are committed as a business and a community partner to improving lives by developing meaningful solutions."

For SDG&E customers, who over the last twelve months received more than 40 percent of their energy from renewable sources, now is the time to increase the use of electricity as a transportation fuel source.

Transportation electrification is the natural progression of renewables, given that electric cars and trucks plugging into the power grid will be charging on ever increasing amounts of clean energy.

If SDG&E's proposals are approved, additional electric charging stations would be installed at San Diego International Airport, Port of San Diego, for delivery fleets, taxi/rideshare, Park-and-Rides and residential homes throughout the region. These proposed programs would build upon the company's efforts to install electric charging infrastructure at 350 apartments, condos and businesses as part of the Power Your Drive program.

The filing is in response to Senate Bill (SB) 350 which recognized the vital role energy companies like SDG&E will play in widespread transportation electrification by installing and expanding the charging network and other necessary infrastructure.

"In order to support clean air and a healthy climate, the transportation sector as a whole, including passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and fleet vehicles must all transition to clean, low-carbon technologies," said Debra Kelley, advocacy director for the American Lung Association. "The American Lung Association in California supports SDG&E's efforts to expand access to electric transportation in our region, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions."

Taken together, SDG&E's transportation electrification proposals aim to jumpstart the EV sector and test cutting-edge technology. The larger residential project would focus on customer homes and smart charging with special EV rates to encourage off-peak charging.

• Residential Charging Program: Installation of up to 90,000 charging stations at single family homes throughout the company's service area;
• Airport Electrification: Installation of up to 45 charging ports to enable electrification of approximately 90 new pieces of ground support equipment at San Diego International Airport;
• Port Electrification: Installation of several electric vehicle charging stations and research meters to study the charging habits of heavy and medium-duty electric trucks and forklifts at the Port of San Diego;
• Fleet Delivery Trucks: Installation of grid-integrated charging stations for about 90 fleet delivery vehicles at approximately six business locations;
• Electrify Local Highways: Grid-integrated charging infrastructure to four Park-and-Ride locations;
• Green Taxi/Rideshare/Shuttles: Incentives to purchase electric taxis and shuttles and install charging stations at five locations frequently traveled by taxis, shuttles and rideshare vehicles. 50 EV drivers from rideshare companies would receive fueling credits on their electric bills;
• Dealership Incentives: EV educational programs and financial incentives for the sale of EVs.

(Photo Credit: SDG&E)