More electric vehicle infrastructure support is coming to Maine

FILE PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY An electric vehicle recharges its battery at one of ReVision Energy's electric vehicle charging stations in Maine. Installation of 60 Level 2 stations will be supported by a rebate program approved this week by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

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By Staff

The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve four initiatives to support electrification of the state's transportation sector.

The initiatives came from a solicitation conducted by the commission under a 2019 law, according to a news release.

"All four initiatives will benefit and support electric vehicles in Maine consistent with the statute,” Chairman Philip L. Bartlett II said in the release. “As pilots, each program will provide valuable information to inform future policies to support EV deployment in Maine.”

The initiatives are:

A rebate program run by Efficiency Maine Trust for Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Sixty rebates will be provided for $4,000 each, for a total of $240,000.
A series of communications developed by the trust, including the creation of two “how-to” manuals for prospective and recent EV owners, a series of instructional videos to show the crucial elements of EV ownership to prospective purchasers, and 20 “show and tell” events throughout the state, which would include opportunities for attendees to drive or ride in an EV. These efforts total $55,000.
A program run by Central Maine Power Co. to help prepare the electrical infrastructure necessary for 60 Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, at a cost of $4,000 each, for a total of $240,000. This program will be offered as an alternative to the EMT rebate program as a means of learning which approach the host site customers prefer.
A rate design program in CMP’s service territory providing for reduced demand charges to encourage the installation of Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations.

A Level 2 charger takes about eight hours to charge an EV and is usually located at workplaces, retail or residential locations. A Level 3 charger can charge an EV at a much faster rate, generally around 20 minutes, and is generally placed at a public location such as a highway rest stop.

The pilot work comes as the state tries to increase EV use through several initiatives led by Gov. Janet Mills. Last October, Mills announced the rollout of 47 new EV charging stations in 23 communities across the state, and in September unveiled a rebate program for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.

About the Maine Public Utilities Commission

The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service and Dig Safe. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chairman, Bruce Williamson and Randall Davis serve as commissioners.