Chair outlines $78,000 DOE grant to replace and add EV chargers, committee to set fees

At a Middletown Parking Committee meeting, a staff member said the U.S. Department of Energy has offered roughly $78,000 to replace EV chargers in the Lily Lot and add chargers to Lot A, expanding charging capacity in two city lots.

"It's approximately $78,000 from the US Department of Energy, to subsidize the EV charger replacement in the Lily Lot and also add some to lot a," the staff member said, describing a plan that would replace existing units and add two chargers so more cars can be charged at peak times. The staff member said specific cost breakdowns will be provided at the next meeting.

Committee members focused on how the city will manage use of the chargers. One committee member asked whether drivers who park all day (for example, employees or residents) would be able to monopolize the chargers. The staff member replied that the new equipment will support charging fees and that the committee will need to set time limits and enforcement policies.

The staff member also noted recurring operational costs: "Part of this deal that we have here is going to be a $15,000 service charge for 5 years" to cover software upgrades and maintenance, a cost the committee said must be built into any rate model.

Members agreed not to finalize rates at the meeting. The staff member said the next step is to prepare a resolution and supporting materials for consideration by the common council and to provide a full cost and implementation plan at the committee's next meeting.

The committee did not take a formal vote on rates or fees; staff will return with a detailed proposal for committee review and a request that the council sponsor the grant resolution.