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North St. Paul updates utility projects, eyes EV time‑of‑use rates after firefighting trainings
Summary
City staff reported progress on electric and gas projects, said a time‑of‑use rate for EV charging is under consideration and described firefighter training on lithium‑ion battery fires.
City staff told the North St. Paul City Council that electric and gas crews are completing neighborhood work and that a time‑of‑use electricity rate for residents who charge electric vehicles is under consideration.
The city manager reported that a contractor referred to as the Boer company finished work in the Gerald and Buhl area and that XL Gas expected to finish in about a week. Staff said contracts for additional work will arrive in June. The electric department also sent two employees to Marshall for MMA underground‑electric training.
On EV charging, the city manager said staff have received a few requests for special rates for residents with EV chargers and are developing a program that would give a lower rate for overnight charging. The manager described it in practical terms as cheaper electricity "when they are charging their vehicle from, you know, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m." The report noted peers in the city’s power agency network are adopting similar programs.
The fire department shared observations from recent training on lithium‑ion battery fires. The city manager summarized training takeaways, saying firefighters have found some EV fires can reignite after being extinguished and that some tow companies will not accept badly damaged EVs, complicating post‑fire handling. The manager said some jurisdictions are isolating damaged EVs on concrete pads at public works sites while they cool and are adjusting vehicle‑removal plans accordingly.
No formal council action was recorded; staff described the items as operational updates and planning work for potential rate changes.
