GMP to Install Public Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

‘Electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries are part of Vermont’s energy future,’ says Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. ‘Transportation currently represents a significant percent of Vermont’s carbon emissions and electric vehicles need to be part of a cost-effective strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

These new charging stations will help highlight the environmental benefits of fueling more vehicles with electricity.’ As part of the project, the company plans to install solar panels to produce renewable energy equal to the amount used by each charging station.

‘One of the barriers to switching to all-electric vehicles is the concern about finding a place to charge up away from home,’ says Powell. ‘GMP is installing these charging stations to help jump start the development of the infrastructure needed to make electric vehicles convenient to operate.’

The locations of the charging stations have not yet been confirmed. Green Mountain Power is considering populated locations with easy access and high visibility in Chittenden, Washington and Addison counties.

Each charging station will have two chargers. The Level One charger will use 110 volt household current, and will be compatible with hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius that have been converted to ‘plug-in’ technology. The Level Two charger will use 220-240 current, and will be compatible with the new electric vehicles entering the market, such as the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf.

Green Mountain Power generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in the State of Vermont. It serves more than 175,000 people and businesses.

www.greenmountainpower.com