Niskayuna staff recommend two more electric buses in May purchase to capture incentives, caution on infrastructure needs
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Summary
The district recommended adding two 66‑passenger electric buses to its May 2026 purchase to use NYSERDA incentives and enhanced state aid, while the engineering study flagged a substantial infrastructure build (new transformer, charging switchboards, dozens of chargers) and staff suggested applying for state waivers for the 2027 deadline as needed.
Matt (district staff) briefed the Audit & Finance Committee on Jan. 30 about the district’s electric‑bus pilot and a proposed May 2026 purchase that would add two 66‑passenger electric buses to the fleet.
The district currently operates two electric buses on regular routes (Routes 63 and 40) as a pilot. "You can see the mileage... daily mileage of 61.6 and 40.7," Matt said, and drivers have reported a quieter ride and lower student noise levels. Staff noted both pilot buses required brief out‑of‑service days for software upgrades; Matt said that was comparable to diesel bus downtime for maintenance.
Staff presented a three‑phase infrastructure plan the district’s engineering consultant proposed. Phase 1 would be the largest and would likely require a new electrical transformer, an emergency diesel generator for fire‑suppression systems, a new charging switchboard and about 32 chargers; subsequent phases would add additional switchboards and roughly 29 chargers each. The consultant also advised installing new underground electrical feeders and making site and building electrical upgrades at the bus garage (1301 Hillside Avenue).
On procurement, staff recommended adding two electric buses in May 2026 to capture available NYSERDA incentives. The presentation noted a NYSERDA incentive figure of $220,500 per electric bus in the materials and staff said the district is eligible for enhanced state aid that—combined with incentives—would significantly offset the higher unit price for electric vehicles. "We would be aided on that full $470,000 for the electric buses," Matt said, and staff presented an estimated combined effect that would make the EV option financially advantageous under current aid rules.
Staff also noted the state has adopted a waiver process for the 2027 zero‑emission purchase requirement; waiver applications are being accepted on a rolling basis from July 1 through March 1 each year and may grant two‑year extensions. Staff recommended continuing the EV pilot, buying two more EVs now to use incentives, and evaluating whether to seek a waiver for the 2027 deadline while the district completes its infrastructure and capital planning.
Committee members asked detailed questions about cold‑weather battery performance, charger rotation and whether the district should buy more than two EVs while incentives are available. Staff said the small pilot shows promising early results but cautioned that scaling will require substantial site and electrical investment; they will return with more detailed charging‑capacity options before the board’s May ballot planning.