​The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) presents a unique opportunity for the utility sector. EVs have the ability to become a valuable grid resource because of their flexibility, but if their integration is not well-managed, they could add to load at inopportune times, increasing costs and carbon emissions.

This paper presents a road map for regulators as they integrate EVs. We first outline critical questions that regulators should ask, and then discuss how performance-based regulation — the development of high-level goals, performance criteria and clear and measurable metrics to assess whether goals and criteria are met — can be used to facilitate EV integration.