Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network
TCLP BOARD APPROVES ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION NETWORK
TRAVERSE CITY, MI. — The Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P) Board approved the purchase and installation of twelve (12) dual-port Level 2 and three (3) DC Fast chargers at its May 11th board meeting. The chargers will be installed in public parking lots throughout the downtown Traverse City area adding 27 new locations for electric vehicles to charge.
“We are committed to doing our part in the transition to electric vehicles by creating the infrastructure that will allow it to happen,” said TCL&P Executive Director Tim Arends. “This is an exciting opportunity and one that is in line with the utility’s strategic plan goals related to environmental stewardship.”
The charging stations will be a boost to downtown retailers and restaurants while also giving tourists confidence in refueling options when visiting Traverse City. “When an electric vehicle owner wants to visit the downtown area they will be able to charge their vehicle while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Statistics have shown that if someone has a vehicle charging they will spend more time shopping and dining than they otherwise would.” stated Jacob Hardy of Traverse City Light and Power.
TCL&P was awarded a $173,763 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) towards the installation of the electric vehicle charging station network. One of only 32 entities throughout the state, TCL&P was awarded the second highest amount in this round of grant funding.
The charging station network, named TCEV network, is the latest environmental effort by TCL&P to reduce its carbon footprint. This is in addition to converting all power supply to renewable sources by 2040 and promoting energy efficient projects through rebates and an on-bill financing program.
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Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.