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VEIC study: funding, parking and metering are main barriers to multifamily EV charging in Chittenden County
Summary
At a May 12 CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee meeting, VEIC rive Electric Vermont presented a study showing roughly 40% of Chittenden County housing is multifamily and identifying funding, parking arrangements and billing as key obstacles to wider EV charger adoption.
David Roberts of VEIC nd Drive Electric Vermont presented findings on May 12 to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Planning Advisory Committee about electrification in multifamily housing, saying about 40% of the county—y housing units is in multifamily buildings and most residents are renters.
Roberts outlined technical and policy barriers to installing charging infrastructure in rental properties, including whether parking is dedicated or shared, challenges billing tenants for electricity, potential service upgrades for existing buildings, and condo or homeowners association restrictions. "Level 1 is an affordable option; and may be a decent option for retrofitting an older building with limited capacity. Level 1 is better than nothing," Roberts said, adding utilities are favoring smart Level 2 chargers so loads can be managed by the grid.
Members asked how common electrical-service capacity problems are; Roberts said a cluster of Level 2 chargers in one building can be tricky but from a broader grid perspective he does not expect immediate widespread constraints. He also said VEIC—ound funding to be the primary challenge in a survey of multifamily developers.
The presentation identified several approaches municipalities and developers can pursue: adopt EVSE-friendly development regulations per Vermont ACCD guidance; consider requiring EVSE in development review; pursue education and outreach; explore curbside charging where in-building solutions are difficult; and pursue public-private partnerships. The slides note a $1 million multi-family EVSE pilot in the draft Transportation Bill aimed at nonprofit and affordable housing.
Local examples were cited: Burlington Electric Department supported a Level 2 pilot at Flynn and Pine, and CHT is seeking bids for some properties. The presentation and supporting survey report are attached to the meeting minutes.
Next steps: CCRPC staff said they will continue to track state funding decisions and share options for municipalities, property owners and affordable housing providers as funds and programs evolve.
