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TCAAP Energy Integration Resiliency Framework Policy White Paper – Policy and Regulation Overview 57 The greenfield development at TCAAP provides the opportunity to optimize the deployment of solar (both PV and solar thermal) by creating a unified plan for the solar benefits across the site. Planning of the electricity distribution infrastructure and any advanced metering capabilities brings the opportunity to work with the utility to identify where large -scale solar PV might have the highest value to the electrical grid. Further, the City or County could use s olar mapping tools during a site planning process to identify how building locations and orientation may optimize the use of the solar resource, as one additional factor to consider when making a plan. The City can make use of technical assistance resources available through the Minnesota Grow Solar Partnership for planning, zoning, or permitting tools to facilitate solar adoption in areas where it will bring maximum benefit. 8.5.3.6. Electric Vehicle Enabling Policies Minnesota has supported EV adoption through a range of state-level actions, and the City could invest a variety of approaches, such as in public EV charging stations for on and off-street parking. As non- utilities are authorized by state law to sell electricity for purposes of EV refueling, the City c ould develop an approach to, for example, charge vehicles for a fee based on the time of day, reflective of average electricity rates. In addition, by 2015 a lower customer-optional rate for EV charging at home, also called an “off-peak” rate, will be offered through Xcel Energy, including a 100 percent renewable option. The City could take steps to ensure residents, workplaces, and the public are able to maximize access to EV charging infrastructure. Such policies would increase EV visibility, and help enable consumer awareness and adoption as an increasing number of EVs come on the market and at lower costs. Such charging stations could be tied to on or off-site renewable electricity sources. Additional opportunities to collaborate with local businesses an d public transit facilities could include road-access rules, as empowered by Minnesota statute, for neighborhood and medium speed EVs internal to the community. These policy options could grow as site development matures.