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SB 167

Prohibiting electric public utilities from recovering from ratepayers the costs associated with electric vehicle charging stations and requiring electric public utilities to establish electric vehicle charging service rate schedules.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 167 bars Kansas electric utilities from recovering EV charging station costs from ratepayers and requires separate charging rate schedules.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 167

Legislative bill overview

SB 167 prohibits Kansas electric utilities from passing EV charging infrastructure costs to ratepayers and mandates that utilities establish separate rate schedules for EV charging services. The bill essentially requires utilities to absorb EV charging costs rather than recovering them through standard utility rates paid by all customers.

Why is this important

This addresses a fairness concern: currently, all ratepayers subsidize EV charging infrastructure even if they don't own electric vehicles. The bill also signals Kansas policy direction on EV adoption by placing financial responsibility on utilities rather than the general public. However, it creates cost-shifting that may affect utility finances and EV infrastructure deployment speed.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation fairness: Critics argue utilities shouldn't bear uncompensated infrastructure costs, potentially harming company finances or leading to rate increases elsewhere; supporters say non-EV owners shouldn't subsidize EV owners
  • EV adoption impact: Preventing utility cost recovery may slow charging network expansion since utilities lack financial incentive to build infrastructure; conversely, lower costs could accelerate adoption
  • Rate schedule complexity: Establishing separate EV charging schedules adds regulatory and administrative burden while potentially creating unfavorable pricing that discourages utility participation in the EV market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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