With new permits from the Georgia Public Service Commission, Georgia is poised to extend its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and launch a state-of-the-art Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot program for electric school buses.
The Commission unanimously approved Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which calls for the start of a V2X pilot involving public school systems throughout the state and ongoing funding for important EV projects. In Georgia’s attempts to establish itself as a national leader in transport electrification, the ruling represents a significant accomplishment.
Significant Investment in EV Charging Initiatives
The approved plan maintains current funding levels for Georgia Power’s EV programs, including:
- $52 million for the Make Ready Program, which encourages the construction and upkeep of the infrastructure required to link EV chargers to the electrical grid.
- Nearly $6 million for the Community Charging Program, intended to increase EV charging accessibility in underprivileged areas.
It is anticipated that these efforts will greatly increase the availability of charging stations, especially in places with poor access to EV infrastructure.
Electric School Bus V
A new Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot initiative, which will install EV charging stations in ten public school systems, was also approved by the Commission in a historic move. In addition to facilitating charging for electric school buses, the programme will allow the buses to either feed local loads with electricity during periods of high demand or return electricity to the grid.
With the potential to provide emergency backup power to shelters during outages, the integration of V2X technology is meant to improve grid resilience and reliability.
Industry Supports the Choice
The Commission’s decision was hailed by Anne Blair, Vice President of Policy & Freight at the Electrification Coalition, as a wise step for energy reliability and economic growth.
Blair declared, “Georgia is the top state in the country for investment and jobs in EV manufacturing.” “The approval of these programmes supports long-term economic success and strengthens Georgia’s leadership in clean transportation.”
Blair also underlined the broader ramifications of the V2X program, citing similar programmes already underway with Duke Energy and Dominion Energy in the Southeast. “V2X can lower costs and improve reliability for all customers by assisting the grid in managing peak loads,” she continued.
Demands More Expansion
While the approval was met with strong support, Blair urged Georgia Power and the Commission to consider additional investments, including:
- A dedicated charging program for residents of multifamily housing.
- A more robust EV charger rebate programme for business customers.
“These initiatives are essential to guaranteeing fair access to electric vehicle charging stations and enabling all Georgians, irrespective of their residence, to fuel the vehicle of their choice,” Blair stated.
Georgia is positioned to be a major player in the country’s EV transition with sustained state backing and increasing utility involvement. It is anticipated that the recently authorised investments and pilot projects will hasten the deployment of infrastructure and promote a more resilient and clean electrical system.