Stafford, CT – October 2, 2024
If you have been enjoying free “fill-ups” at the town’s electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, that era is coming to an end. At Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, the board discussed the future of the chargers as the original grant to pay for the tree charging runs out.
They voted to institute a rate of $.50/kWh. According to the discussion, the average rate charged by towns for the use of EV chargers is $.43, the rate recommended by Facilities Supervisor Bruce Davis. Some towns charge significantly more, including Union, which set its rate at $.85/kWH.
Selectman Rick Hartenstein said his first thought was to round up to $.50 to give the town some wiggle room just in case the cost of electricity goes up. Selectman Kurt Vail agreed, and they both expressed concern about people who leave their cars on the charger longer than necessary, making it harder for others to charge their vehicles.
Deciding what to charge for “idle time” turned out to be the bigger challenge. While the initial discussion trended toward charging $5 an hour after five hours, outgoing transfer station superintendent John Wheddon told the board that the apps that measure the charges often begin idle time as soon as the battery is full. A car could only take two hours to charge or could take more than five. In other words, setting a specific time limit on how long a car can be hooked up to the charger may not accurately reflect the amount of idle time the charger is experiencing.
The board decided to approve the $.50/kWh and revisit the idea of charging for idle time after they learn more about how the apps work.
Additionally, First Selectman Bill Morrison noted that the current location of the charging stations in the town hall parking lot would be moved to make way for more handicapped parking.