L3 chargers were previously required to bill by time connected
Still unclear when networks may switch over
Measurement Canada has just announced a new move that will likely make EV owners happy come charge time. The temporary dispensation will let Level 3 charging setups bill customers by the amount of electricity transferred instead of the more basic (and sometimes more punitive) bill for time.
Because of how Measurement Canada (via Drive Tesla Canada) rules worked, owners of Level 3 electric vehicle chargers were required to bill users based on how long they spent plugged into the EV charging station. This was great if you were using a 350 kW charger and filling your vehicle at 350 kW, but it was less than optimal if you were charging an EV that could only accept 50 kW of charge. It also lead to some expensive bills on 50 kW chargers where a vehicle may only be charging at half of that rate.
Following more than two years of consultations and debate, the president of Measurement Canada has changed the rules.
“After taking into account that the integrity and accuracy of electricity meters must be maintained and having determined that this dispensation is in the public interest, I hereby grant permission to owners of Level 3+ electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to put those meters into service without verification and sealing,” said acting president Benoit Desforges.
The dispensation is meant to be temporary, though in this case that means it is in place until 2030. Level 3 fast-chargers will be permitted to bill by the kWh without needing a sealed and certified electric meter. All such EV chargers will need to be registered with Measurement Canada.
It’s not clear when or if all Level 3 charging system owners will switch to the new billing. Or if it will save customers money, as the ruling does not address power rates and provincial regulations may apply to this usage-based metering. Stations billing by the kWh will have to have signage indicating the change and rates, so watch your local charger.
