Energy Bureau demands more details on LUMA’s revised EV plan

The request this week comes after a series of filings and resolutions dating back to January 2023, when the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau first directed LUMA Energy to finalize its Phase I EV Plan and launch an interim time-of-use) rate for electric vehicle charging.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has ordered LUMA Energy to provide additional information on its revised Electric Vehicle Adoption Plan (PR-EVAP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, following a Nov. 3 filing that included the updated plan and a proposed reporting template.

The PREB determined that the submission requires further clarification and supporting data.

The request this week comes after a series of filings and resolutions dating back to January 2023, when the PREB first directed LUMA to finalize its Phase I EV Plan and launch an interim time-of-use (TOU) rate for electric vehicle charging. Since then, LUMA has submitted semi-annual reports, rate case filings, and motions detailing progress on EV adoption efforts, including the development of charging infrastructure and rate design.

In its latest order, the PREB seeks detailed responses on multiple fronts. It is asking LUMA to explain how the revised plan will address the lack of private and public charging infrastructure and improve electrical system reliability. Regulators also want specifics on how the plan will promote equitable access to electric vehicles, support low-income customers, and track improvements in accessibility.

The PREB is requesting comprehensive data related to LUMA’s EV TOU rate pilot, including workpapers, load profiles and cost analyses. It also questions why only limited timestamps were provided and whether LUMA considered adjusting peak and off-peak periods. Additional inquiries focus on grid modernization efforts, vehicle-to-grid technology readiness, and the expected outcomes of those initiatives.

Other areas of scrutiny include the status of a charging behavior study, justification for projected fuel savings, and the feasibility of implementing smart charging and managed charging strategies during the next three fiscal years. The PREB also wants clarity on how LUMA can currently offer the EV TOU rate without completing upgrades to its billing system and metering infrastructure.

Education and outreach spending is another focal point, with regulators asking why LUMA is proposing an annual budget of $189,000 when previous years saw significantly lower expenditures. The PREB further seeks explanations on how outreach efforts will differ from past initiatives and benefit low-income customers.

Finally, the PREB is asking LUMA to detail how quarterly meetings with Hawaiian Electric and fleet electrification surveys informed the revised plan, and what steps will be taken to overcome barriers to fleet electrification.