The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has approved NV Energy’s $100 million plan for a network of electric vehicle charging sites throughout the state.

The commission voted 3-0 Tuesday to approve the proposal, called the Economic Recovery Transportation Electrification Plan (ERTAP). The plan is a requirement of Senate Bill 448 from the state legislature’s 2021 session.

NV Energy asked the commission to find that ERTAP satisfies the requirements of SB 448 and approve the utility’s proposed tariffs and rate schedules to implement the plan.

The three-year plan, which will start in 2022, will bring approximately 1,822 EV chargers to 120 sites throughout Nevada. (See NV Energy Proposes ‘Strategic Network’ of EV Chargers.)

The plan includes five programs as specified by SB 448.

Under the interstate corridor charging depot program, EV charging stations are planned for five sites, at locations yet to be determined, along Interstates 15 and 80 as well as U.S. 95.

An outdoor recreation and tourism program will add EV charging at ski resorts, casinos, convention centers, sports venues and other sites.

An urban charging depot program will bring an estimated 18 charging sites with a total of 180 charging ports to the Reno and Las Vegas areas.

The other two programs within ERTAP are a public agency EV charging program and a transit, school bus and transportation electrification custom program.

About half of the investments in the $100 million plan will be in or on behalf of historically underserved communities.

Environmental groups reacted positively to the plan’s approval.

Angie Dykema, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s Nevada representative, said the plan may help lower Nevadans’ electric bills as widespread EV deployment brings more value to the electric grid.

“People will benefit from this plan even if they don’t drive,” Dykema said in a release.

Cameron Dyer, managing senior staff attorney for Western Resource Advocates, called the plan “a smart investment in Nevada’s future.” A recent study found that moving from gas-powered cars to EVs could bring $20 billion in economic benefits to the state, he said.

“This transition will also reduce air pollution, improve public health, protect the climate and make the electricity system more efficient,” Dyer said. “NV Energy’s investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an important step to get more electric vehicles on our roads.”