NC Public Power Communities Awarded Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Funds

ElectriCities members chosen for EV projects as part of competitive program

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 9, 2021) — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded its first round of funding for Level 2 charging stations totaling $422,000 as part of the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program. More than a quarter of the funding announced in the recent round was awarded in public power communities in the state.

Multiple North Carolina Public Power communities received grants through the settlement funding, totaling $120,000. The cities of Albemarle and High Point, and the Town of Apex applied and were granted funding through the latest round. The investment in these communities totals $64,000 to be used toward 14 electric vehicle charging ports.

Three additional grants were awarded in public power communities that were applied for by either private industry or state government. These businesses and agencies, located in Forest City, Selma, and Smithfield, were awarded a total of $56,000 for an additional 14 electric vehicle charging ports in those areas.

“ElectriCities public power members have a strong track record of paving the way for electric vehicle technology and other sustainable energy options in their local communities,” said Phil Bisesi, supervisor of residential energy services for ElectriCities. “With more than 120 electric vehicle charging stations in public power communities across the state, public power is leading the way and proud to be doing its part on the journey to a clean, emissions-free future. Clean energy is vital to the future of our communities, industry, and planet.”

The 19 ElectriCities member communities that comprise the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1) enjoy energy that is at least 95% carbon-free, with many communities enjoying 100% net-carbon-free energy. In the eastern part of the state, ElectriCities’ 32 member communities that make up the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) receive their power from Duke Energy Progress, which has reduced carbon emissions by more than 40 percent since 2005.

ElectriCities is encouraging its members to take a long-term look at electric vehicles by offering EV Strategic Plan matching grants to Power Agency members. These plans have already been developed for Apex, Shelby, and Wake Forest, and provide these communities with a road map on how to manage these new electric loads and promote the benefits of electric vehicles.

The Level 2 EV Infrastructure Grant Program has proven competitive across the state, with $1.6 million in requests being submitted for $1.1 million in available funding through this stage of the program. DEQ anticipates additional Level 2 charging station funds will become available in Phase 2 of the Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program.

In July, the state passed a bill to appropriate $30.6 million from the Volkswagen Litigation Environmental Mitigation Fund to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for – among other initiatives – diesel bus and vehicle replacements or upgrades and zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure, including DC fast charging stations. Five ElectriCities member cities – Kinston, Lexington, Morganton, New Bern, and Wilson – were awarded funding in that initial round to install fast charging stations.

The full list of projects receiving funding under the DEQ’s latest round of funding announcements can be found here. More information on the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program can be found here.