Business EV Charging Rebates Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the PGE Business EV Charging Rebate Program?
A. To encourage more people to use electric vehicles (EVs), we offer rebates for non-residential customers who install qualified Level 2 chargers.
Q. What are my requirements?
A. You’ll need to install qualified chargers from an approved vendor and keep them operational and on a cost-of-service rate for 10 years.
You’ll also agree to share data from the chargers with PGE so we can evaluate our program. See the pilot agreement and data release.
In the agreement you will see that you must submit complete application materials within 365 days of installing your charger(s). In order to apply for the Level 2 Charger Rebate, your invoice must be dated no earlier than November 16, 2022, when these rebates first became available.
Q. How much are the rebates?
A. If you purchase a qualifying Level 2 charger, you can receive $1,000 per port, or up to $2,300 per port for multifamily properties. (Think of each port as serving one parking stall; each charger unit typically has one or two ports.)
Q. What are my costs?
A. You’ll be responsible for procuring and installing qualified chargers from an approved vendor and maintaining them for 10 years. This includes paying for any software or data fees to an approved software provider. You’re also responsible for paying for the electricity the chargers use.
Q. Is there a minimum or maximum number of chargers I need to install?
A. There is no minimum number of chargers or ports needed to qualify for the rebate.
Q. Who can use the chargers? Can this be a revenue opportunity?
A. You can choose to offer public charging or limit charging to certain groups (like residents or employees). You can also set pricing to help recover your costs. Your charger vendor can help you set this up.
Q. When and how can I apply for a rebate?
A. To apply for rebates
Be a non-residential PGE account holder
Select a qualified EV charger
Optional preapproval (preferred): To receive preapproval and reserve rebate funds for up to 12 months, fill out our Rebate Reservation Request form and upload a quote from a vendor for PGE-approved networked, Level 2 chargers.
NOTE: Rebates are not guaranteed unless you receive approval for a rebate reservation request.
Once your chargers are installed, complete the Commercial Charger Registration form and fill out the Rebate Application.
Helpful tip: Have these documents ready to upload when you start your application:
PGE Account Number
Your business’ IRS Form W9
An itemized invoice for the chargers
Itemized invoices for installation costs (if applying for the Level 2 installation rebates)
Photos of each chargers’ serial number and wide shots of the installation
What is the difference between a rebate reservation and a rebate application?
A. A rebate reservation request is an optional preapproval that reserves your rebate funds for up to 12 months. To reserve your rebate funds, fill out a Rebate Reservation Request form and upload a quote from a vendor for PGE-approved networked, Level 2 chargers. Submit a Rebate Application after qualified chargers are installed.
Q. Why does PGE need a W-9 from me?
A. We need your W-9 so that we can verify your business name and issue a 1099 for tax purposes (if applicable).
Q. How can I find qualified chargers?
A. See a list of qualified equipment and vendors. You’ll find a range of models for public, employee, residential and/or business fleet EV charging. All chargers are networked, helping you see information about EV charging at your site, and compatible with all EV models. To participate in this program, you’ll need to use an approved software provider.
Q. Can I install chargers and get the rebate if my business leases its property?
A. Yes; with the property owner’s permission, you can install chargers at your site and receive the rebate. However, if your business changes location within the 10-year term of the agreement, you must work with the property owner or new lessee to assume your obligations. Otherwise, you may owe a pro-rated repayment of the rebate.
Q. Are multi-family dwellings eligible for this rebate program? How does that work?
A. If you are installing the chargers in a centralized parking location, and they will be wired back to a commercial panel/meter, then you should install commercial chargers and the commercial rebate is the right pathway.
Q. Do I need to own my chargers? Can I lease them from my vendor?
A. You do not need to own the chargers. However, you are responsible for procuring and installing them. You may lease them or participate in charging-as-a-service if your vendor offers these options.
Q. What happens if my chargers break or lose their connectivity?
A. As part of this program, you are responsible for keeping your chargers in connected, operational condition. Your vendor may offer a maintenance option or recommend local repair services. If you can’t make repairs in a timely manner, you may owe a pro-rated repayment of the rebate.
Q. What data do I share with PGE? How is it transmitted? Why does PGE want it?
A. We receive data about charging sessions. This includes the time a vehicle plugged in, when a charging session began, the amount a driver paid and related information. All driver data is anonymous. No personally identifiable information (PII) or payment information is included. We receive this data directly from your charger vendor. We may use it for regulatory reporting, ordinary business use, industry forums, case studies or similar activities, as well as for our own research and surveys.
Q. Can I enroll my chargers in a demand response program such as Energy Partner?
A. We’re working on developing Energy Partner options for EV charging. We will contact you with this option when it’s available. All the chargers on the qualified product list are capable of participating in demand response programs.
Q. What if I am on Direct Access?
A. You are still eligible to participate in the pilot; however, the chargers must be on a cost-of-service rate for 10 years. This may mean that you need to separately meter your EV chargers from your existing load.