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Council approves permanent easement for PG&E transformer to power Magnolia EV chargers
Summary
The council approved granting PG&E an easement on city property at Piedmont Park for a transformer to serve AVA Community Energy's Magnolia EV chargers; staff said the transformer will be about 5 feet tall, the parking stalls will be 90‑minute EV spaces, and Calibrant Energy will own and operate the chargers under a 10‑year contract.
Public Works Director Daniel Gonzales and AVA Community Energy representative Anish Patel presented the proposed EV charging installation on Magnolia Avenue and the associated PG&E transformer to power the chargers. Staff explained design changes to minimize park impacts, confirmed utilities and much equipment will be underground, and described an easement area on city property outside the public right‑of‑way to accommodate the transformer.
An AVA representative described procurement and the operating partner: "We have actually entered into the contract with entity named Calibrant Energy. They are the one who is going to own and operate this asset on AVA's behalf," the presenter said, noting the contract term will be 10 years and the site is scheduled for construction in November with operation by February. The project will close several parking spaces during construction but is not expected to close Magnolia to through traffic.
Council asked about height, appearance and permanence. A designer confirmed the transformer dimensions: "It's about, like, 5 feet tall transformer," and provided dimensions of roughly 8 feet 9 inches by 7 feet 5 inches for the unit; staff said the transformer will be a matte green metal box and that some surrounding equipment can be screened with landscaping where allowed. Council approved the staff recommendation to grant the easement to PG&E by roll call vote (unanimous).
