Press Release: New Retail Electric Vehicle Charging Regulations Take Effect July 1, 2026

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced today the implementation of new Retail Electric Vehicle Charging regulations, effective July 1, 2026.

These regulations, established by the Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 8-20-102 and 8-20-107, set forth minimum standards for specifications and tolerances at publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations. By introducing these standards, Colorado is ensuring consistency in the marketplace, providing essential protections for consumers, and supporting the healthy growth of this emerging industry.

"This is a significant step forward in ensuring consumer protection and marketplace consistency," said OPS Director Mahesh Albuquerque. "As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across our state, it is vital that drivers have confidence in the accuracy of the charging infrastructure, and that business owners have clear, fair standards to operate by. These rules establish that foundation of trust."

The new regulations apply to all publicly accessible retail electric vehicle chargers in Colorado. The program focuses on transparency, ensuring that consumers are charged accurately based on the electricity dispensed, promoting a fair and reliable environment for both consumers and business owners.

While the regulations take effect on July 1, 2026 and OPS will begin inspecting later this year, OPS will not pursue enforcement measures until July 1, 2027.

Here's what owners or operators of any retail Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in Colorado needs to know:

• Any owner or operator of an existing retail EV charging station that charges a fee specifically for electricity dispensed to charge a vehicle and placed into service before July 1, 2026 must register their equipment with OPS by January 1, 2027. The Retail EV Charger Registration Form is available on the OPS website.
• Any owner or operator of a new retail EV charging station (as described above) placed into service after July 1, 2026 must register their equipment with the OPS within 30 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.
• All retail EV charging devices must be installed, tested, and placed in service by a Registered Service Agent (RSA).
• Results of RSA testing must be submitted to OPS. The Retail EV Charger Placed in Service Form is available on the OPS website.
• Devices installed after July 1, 2026 must submit a Placed in Service Form within 90 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.
• These rules and regulations do not apply to free charging stations, private residences where a retail transaction does not take place, or wholesale delivery of electricity.

For more information about the regulations, including registration requirements for current and prospective owners and operators please visit ops.colorado.gov/retail-electric-vehicle-charging. This downloadable one-page flyer is also available to print.

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