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Lafayette council approves easements and accepts state grant to install public EV chargers at library, fire station and Indian Peaks Golf Course
Summary
On first reading and by subsequent motions Sept. 16, Lafayette City Council granted utility easements to Xcel Energy and accepted a $168,000 Charge Ahead Colorado grant to install DC fast chargers and level‑2 chargers at city facilities; work is expected to start late 2025 and continue into 2026.
Lafayette City Council on Sept. 16 approved on first reading a set of easements for Xcel Energy and accepted a $168,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office to install electric-vehicle charging stations at city facilities, including the Lafayette Public Library, Fire Station No. 1 and Indian Peaks Golf Course.
Staff said the work aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan and that easements are required before Xcel can install transformers, switchgear cabinets and utility lines to power the chargers. The council voted unanimously on first reading of Ordinance No. 19, 2025, authorizing utility easements to the Public Service Company of Colorado; a second reading is scheduled for Oct. 14.
Under the project scope described by staff, the library will receive two DC fast chargers (four charging ports total); Fire Station No. 1 will receive a single DC fast charger with two ports; and Indian Peaks Golf Course will receive two level‑2 chargers (four ports). The city also plans additional chargers at the city service center (not funded through the state grant). Staff said chargers are configured so multiple vehicles can charge simultaneously at the busiest sites and noted accessibility striping and compliance will be included.
Sustainability staff described partnerships that reduced the city’s cost: Lafayette is participating in Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, and the city selected the state’s preferred vendor for installation. Staff anticipated construction impacts would be minimal; Xcel will bore lines, sleeve conduits and restore disturbed surfaces.
Council also authorized the city to accept the Charge Ahead Colorado grant and to proceed with vendor contracts; both motions passed unanimously. Staff estimated installations would begin in late 2025 and continue into 2026 depending on material and transformer delivery schedules.
Councilors and public commenters praised the grant and said improved fast‑charging access benefits residents without home charging, supports future municipal fleet electrification, and advances regional charging network goals led by Boulder County. No opposition was recorded during council discussion.
