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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-14-071 - Electric Vehicle Charging Station REPORT TO: Council DATE OF MEETING: June 30, 2014 SUBMITTED BY: Justin Readman, Director of Transportation Services, (519) 741-2200 x 7038 PREPARED BY: Justin Readman, Director of Transportation Services, (519) 741-2200 x 7038 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward (9) DATE OF REPORT: June 23, 2014 REPORT NO.: INS-14-071 SUBJECT: Charles and Benton Electric Vehicle Charging Station Memorandum of Understanding ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for the installation and operation of an electric vehicle charging station at the Charles and Benton garage, said agreement to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and That Council approves the collection of pay-per-use fees for accessing electric vehicle charging equipment owned by the City; and further That Council approves a user fee of $1.00 per hour for use of the public charging equipment for 2014, after which time the user fee will be established through the comprehensive fee review as part of the annual budget process. BACKGROUND: The City of Kitchener currently operates a number of parking facilities within the downtown. In early 2014, City of Kitchener staff was approached by the Region of Waterloo to investigate opportunities to partner and provide a publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Region of Waterloo is offering up to $7,500 towards the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station on City of Kitchener property. 8 - 1 REPORT: The Region of Waterloo approached the City to investigate options for providing a publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging station within the downtown. In order to facilitate its installation, the Region is also offering up to $7,500 towards the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station. City of Kitchener staff view this as an opportunity to pilot the provision of this service within the downtown to assist with future decisions on whether to expand this program. City of Kitchener staff, in consultation with Region staff, has reviewed potential locations within the downtown. The most feasible location identified is within the Charles and Benton garage. This facility is able to meet the power requirements of the EV charging station, would require minimal work to install and is located within close proximity to a number of destinations. These destinations include theMuseum, the courthouse, Regional and Municipal offices as well as hotels and restaurants. The intent of the EV charging station is to provide relatively rapid charging options for EV owners. One condition of the funding agreement is the requirement to enter into a three (3) year agreement to maintain and operate the charging station. Based on information obtained from the Region and research conducted by City of Kitchener staff the majority of the capital costs will be covered by the grant amount. The charging station is expected to cost approximately $950 per year on a three (3) year commitment. The annual operating costs include network software fees, extended parts warranty and electricity consumed. There is also a one-time initial setup activation fee of $349. The Region will be charging an hourly user fee of $1.00. The City of Kitchener should charge a similar fee so that the rate is consistent between Regional charging stations located in other areas of the City and the City of Kitchener charging station. This fee will be reviewed annually through consultation with Regional staff and set through the comprehensive fee review as part of the annual budget process. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The provision of an electric vehicle charging station within the downtown, as outlined in this report, aligns with many elements of the City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan, including: Leadership and Engagement: The City of Kitchener is taking an active leadership role by investing in a publicly accessible electric vehicle charging station to promote growth of the EV market. Quality of Life: Promoting and encouraging electric vehicles can lead to improved air quality. Environment: By supporting electric vehicles, the City of Kitchener is taking an active role in becoming more environmentally friendly. Development: The Strategic Plan specifically mentions supporting transportation alternatives and developing communities that are safe and connected. The provision of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations can promote the use of electric vehicles and can provide recharging options for residents and visitors. 8 - 2 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: It is anticipated that the installation of an EV charging station at the Charles and Benton Garage will be approximately $11,500 (including electrical work and the purchase and installation of the EV station). Of this total cost the Region will cover $7,500 and the remainder will be funded from the Transportation Demand Management capital budget. Annual costs of approximately $950 will be required to operate the station less the hourly user fees. A user fee will be established, in consultation from the Region. This fee will offset the annual costs associated with the operation of the charging station. The station will be maintained and operated for a minimum duration of three (3) years. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Region of Waterloo is seeking partnerships with others to expand the provision of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations within the City of Kitchener. City of Kitchener staff has worked with Regional staff to determine an appropriate location for an EV charging station within the downtown area. CONCLUSION: Regional funding towards the installation of an EV charging station provides an opportunity for City of Kitchener staff to pilot this service to determine whether or not these types of facilities should be expanded more broadly within the parking enterprise. Additionally, the provision of an EV charging station demonstrates that the City of Kitchener continues to provide leadership in green initiatives and embracing technological investments within the community. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO of Infrastructure Services 8 - 3