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Rensselaer awarded $10,000 for two EV chargers; staff estimates total project costs near $30,000
Summary
The city won a $10,000 grant for two EV charging stations proposed for Pilson Park. Unit costs are $1,480 each; installation and five-year subscription and service could bring the total closer to $25,000–$30,000. Council authorized staff to keep pursuing contracts and funding.
City staff reported that Rensselaer was awarded the maximum grant amount — $10,000 — to install two electric-vehicle charging stations at Pilson Park, and council authorized staff to continue pursuing the project.
"We have been awarded the grant — the maximum amount, which is $10,000," staff member Keith told the council, noting the work will require additional contract and installation steps. Keith said each charging unit costs about $1,480 and the vendor recommends two units so a second charger is available when one is in use.
Staff outlined additional costs: a five-year monitoring and service subscription, and an estimated installation cost of $13,730. On that basis, the staff estimate for the full project is nearer $25,000 to $30,000 once electric work and site preparation are included, with $10,000 covered by the grant.
Council members discussed revenue expectations and cost recovery and were told that payback can be slow. Keith cited a small nearby example where summer peak revenue generated roughly $500 per month but said a multi-year recovery is typical. The city will set charging rates through the vendor’s payment system.
Council voted to allow staff to continue to pursue quotes and contracts; councilmembers also encouraged staff to seek additional funding sources and county economic development support to reduce the city share of installation costs. The council did not yet authorize a construction contract; final vendor agreements and state contracts still must be reviewed.
