City to install nine Level 2 EV chargers at three city sites using DOE rebate vouchers

Aurora will add nine dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at three city-owned sites after the finance committee on July 16 approved a purchase order for Blink Network LLC.

Ian Wade of the engineering division explained the request: the city was allocated $211,320 in DOE rebate vouchers through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and selected Blink after a 2024 RFQ that established Blink as the preferred vendor. The proposed purchase order totals $292,027.05; staff said roughly $80,000 exceeds the voucher amount but about $50,000 of that excess cost is not eligible for vouchers, meaning the net over-run is closer to $30,000 to be paid from other city funds.

Locations include two dual-port chargers in the soon-to-be-renovated Garfield Park parking area, three dual-port chargers at the Aurora Police Department parking area and four dual-port chargers in the downtown parking garage at 5 East Downer. Wade said the selected chargers are Level 2 (not the faster Level 3 rapid chargers) and therefore are slower charging options but are more cost-effective and easier to site.

Aldermen asked whether the chargers would require payment; staff said past installations used pay-to-charge models and that the city expects these units will also be fee-based, with revenue projected to offset electricity costs. Alderman Larson asked for a future Committee of the Whole briefing with estimated user fees and revenue projections. The committee approved the purchase 3-0.