Charged Up!
March 7, 2019
It’s Electric!
Electric vehicles (EV) offer a clean, efficient alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, averaging as low as one-third the cost-per-mile of gasoline. Depending on the battery capacity, EV driving range can vary from about 80 miles up to 280 miles. The installation of public charging stations can help reduce “range anxiety” for EV owners, as well as provide key data to help determine future implementation efforts throughout FEU’s service territory. |
When it comes to constructing and maintaining the electrical system in our region, there’s no question that FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) employees are the experts. So, when the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a pilot program to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in the state, who better to lead the effort than Potomac Edison?
“Our expertise at building electrical infrastructure will help position Maryland as a leader in EV technology,” said Jim Sears, president, Maryland Operations. “We look forward to partnering with state officials to ensure our EV charging station program produces long-term benefits as we continue providing safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.”
Over the course of the five-year pilot program, Potomac Edison will install more than 50 charging stations – including nine “fast charging” stations – at various locations throughout our Maryland service territory. In addition, residential customers will be eligible for rebates of up to $300 for the installation of EV charging stations at their home. Rebates also will be available for charging stations at multifamily properties.
The pilot program was approved by the PSC in January and includes additional EV charging station installations from other Maryland utilities to support a state-wide effort toward reaching 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025. The pilot is intended to help Maryland utilities evaluate the benefits of EV charging deployment while remaining cost-effective for customers.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to support the state’s efforts toward electric vehicle adoption and expanding the charging station network, which is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier environment,” Jim added.
Potomac Edison will file an EV charging station pilot program implementation plan with the Maryland PSC in the coming months and expects to begin installing the charging stations later this year.