Town council has agreed to support an application from a private company for provincial funding to install electric vehicle charging stations at several municipal facilities.
In 2016 a public charging station was installed at the Clifford arena through the province’s Electric Vehicle Charger Program.
Rolf Maurer of Arntjen Solar (Sun Saver 2) arranged the installation on behalf of the town by applying for units at the municipal office and arenas/community centres in Clifford, Harriston and Palmerston, CAO Bill White explained in a Jan. 23 report to council.
Only the Clifford location was approved through the program, which funded 100% of the station cost including 2% annually for operating costs.
The town signed a 10-year agreement, with Arntjen committing to operating the equipment. After five years, funds supporting annual operating costs run out and the town and Arntjen are fully responsible. After-cost revenue is shared 50-50.
“As was expected, user fees for the station have resulted in only a few hundred dollars annual revenue to the town initially, but this should grow as more electric vehicles come on line,” White stated in his report.
The province is now offering a Workplace Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (WEVCIP) that provides opportunities for workplaces, building owners and building managers to install chargers for their employees.
Arntjen Solar offered to apply on the town’s behalf for funding for chargers at the town office, Harriston Minto Community Complex, Palmerston Community Center and/or the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum.
White notes the new program for workplaces provides 80% funding and, if the application is approved, would require a capital contribution by Arntjen and the town.
Arntjen estimates the cost of would be $11,000 plus about $5,000 for electrical installation and $3,000 for site costs. The approximate cost of $19,000 would be eligible for 80% funding to a maximum of $15,000.
White told council staff appreciates having Arntjen apply on the town’s behalf “as they are aware of the information requirements of the province.”
If the workplace charger application is successful, an agreement will be needed with Arntjen regarding installation, maintenance and revenue, he explained.
White pointed out the application process is on a first-come first-served basis, with some preference given to larger employers with over 75 staff members. However, he noted, there may have to be some accommodation for smaller business locations in rural Ontario.
The CAO said having a charging station in the front parking lot of the municipal office would allow the town to consider electric options with future vehicle purchases.
While the program is essentially for employment properties, White said, “If they’re not being used then the public can use them.”
“I think this is wonderful,” said councillor David Turton. “This is looking into the future. And, quite honestly, why buy an electric car if there’s no place to plug it in? People might say you’re putting the cart before the horse, but I don’t think we are. I think we should move on this and get three or four more around the town of Minto if we can.”
Councillor Jean Anderson agreed with Turton, stating more charging stations will be needed as electric vehicles become more popular.
“And where’s the money going to come from for that? If we can get some this way I think we should,” said Anderson. “It’s coming down the pipe whether we want it or not.”
Mayor George Bridge said, “I think it’s a great idea to get going on this.”
