Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City to accept $327,379.98 National Grid grant to add EV chargers at Union Street lot
Summary
The finance committee approved a National Grid grant of $327,379.98 to upgrade service and install direct-current fast chargers (DCFC) at a triangular city lot near Union Street; Department of Energy funding will cover equipment and contractor work, and the city does not need to provide a match.
Schenectady — The city’s finance committee voted Aug. 18 to accept a $327,379.98 grant from National Grid to fund electrical-service upgrades at a small city-owned lot near Union Street to support DC fast-charging stations.
According to city staff, the award will pay for National Grid service upgrades required because of the increased power draw; a separate Department of Energy grant previously approved will fund charging equipment and the contractor work. "This is a grant from National Grid. Been awarded a very specific number of $327,379.98 for the installation of DCFC charging station plugs," a city staff member told the committee.
Why it matters: The award accelerates installation of electric-vehicle charging infrastructure in a downtown neighborhood without a city cash match, potentially improving access for residents and visitors who rely on public chargers.
Discussion: Committee members confirmed the site is a small wedge lot adjacent to Clinton’s Ditch and closer to Burgerville than originally planned; staff clarified the lot is city‑owned. One council member asked whether there is a citywide EV plan; staff said that responsibility had been handled by different staff historically and that Chief Whipple had been asked to assist on this project. The committee noted that responsibility for similar installations previously sat with a city signal superintendent and recommended clarifying which department will manage EV installs going forward.
Formal action: Committee members moved and seconded a motion to accept the National Grid funding; the motion passed on a voice vote.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with the service upgrade and coordinate the DOE-funded contractor work and equipment procurement. The committee discussed clarifying departmental ownership of future EV projects as part of budget and staffing conversations.
