rainnw wrote:There hasn't been much talk (from what i gather) regarding what could possibly be a sore issue.
There are plenty of powered up, unlocked, and available outlets in various parking garages and parking lots. We even have a couple dual gang 20A 110V circuits scattered about in our work parking garage.
At what point is plugging in considered theft? is $0.50 of electricity usage a felony? How have people made arrangements with employers regarding this?
I'd imagine since it is unmetered, most would be a bit nervous to grant free access.
If you are parking at a location where a power outlet is prominently located, unlocked, and has no signage to the contrary, I believe that it would be perfectly acceptable to plug into it (think about motor block heaters in Canada and Alaska).
It would be the same as going to a cafe, sitting down, opening up my laptop, seeing an unsecured wireless access point, and connecting to it to use the Internet (at least in Oregon that is legal, YMMV). Unless there is either a notification to the contrary or a reasonable effort has been made to secure the wireless access point, it is considered to be for public access.
Now, if you park at a business and they later find out and request that you no longer plug in, and you keep plugging in, you can definitely receive a citation for trespassing, if not theft of services also. If I plugged in somewhere and was later told not to, I would probably use it as an opportunity to educate the business owner on electric vehicles and how I could help them develop a plan for charging to increase business (and profits)!
The owner of the business I work at is excited about me driving an electric car and told me I was more than welcome to plug into any of the various outlets around the complex. If a customer stopped by in an electric car, the welcome mat would be rolled out for them to plug in!