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SIU Carbondale to host DC fast chargers in partnership with Egyptian Electric using IEPA grant funding
Summary
Trustees approved a project to install Level 3 DC fast chargers at three Carbondale locations through a license agreement with Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association; IEPA grant funds are expected to cover up to 80% of costs and Egyptian Electric will operate the stations.
The board approved a project to install public Level 3 DC fast charging stations at three Southern Illinois University Carbondale locations under a partnership with Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association.
Project details: the approved sites are Visitor Parking Lot 13 (east of the student center), the Transportation Education Center (Glenn Poshard TEC), and the entrance to Touch of Nature. Each Level 3 DC fast charger will serve two vehicles simultaneously (the student center and Touch of Nature each will have two chargers serving four vehicles total; the TEC will have one charger serving two vehicles). Each site will include at least one ADA‑compliant charging space and sites must remain in service for at least five years.
Ownership and operations: Egyptian Electric will install, own and operate the charging equipment and recover costs directly from users via kiosk or mobile payment. At two sites located within Egyptian Electric’s service territory, the installation will not affect SIUC utility accounts; for the site served by the SIUC main campus electricity district SIUC will supply and maintain a distribution transformer and Facilities and Energy Management will invoice Egyptian Electric monthly for energy costs and parking fees.
Funding: Egyptian Electric has been awarded grant funding through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Charging Infrastructure grant (authorized by the Electric Vehicle Act) that may cover up to 80% of project costs. Egyptian Electric will provide the required cost match and recover remaining costs through user fees, the presentation said.
Why it matters: the project expands EV fast‑charging infrastructure in Carbondale (officials noted a shortage of Level 3 chargers in the area). The arrangement uses outside grant funding and a license model that places equipment ownership and operational responsibility with the cooperative while providing the university with metering and cost recovery for energy use on campus‑served sites.
Board action: The architectural and design committee recommended the project and the board approved it by roll call. The matter includes license and easement language and a requirement that Egyptian Electric maintain operations and service levels for at least five years.
