As City Council is aware, the city currently has a Duke Energy (Nova CHARGE) charging station located in the Nebraska Ave. parking lot. The cost of the materials and installation was funded by Duke Energy’s Park and Plug program in 2019 and is administrated by the use of a host agreement.
On August 8, 2023, Duke officials met with City staff in an effort to expand the Park and Plug program within the city. Subsequent to the meeting, it was determined that the city met Duke Energy’s criteria for the installation of two dual port EV DC fast charging stations at the Gloria Swanson parking lot east of the Hacienda Hotel and Sims Park in the downtown area which are:
1. 24/7 public access,
2. available parking area within five (5) miles of major corridors/hurricane routes,
3. a 25-mile separation from existing Duke Energy fast charging stations,
4. safe and well-lit area,
5. and preferably near amenities such as public restrooms, parks, and shops.
In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, the attached agreement contains a term of 10 years. Duke Energy will fund the capital portion of the project, Duke Energy will own and maintain the chargers, and Duke Energy will separately meter the chargers from the host. Finally, after the agreement has termed out, the city will have the option to purchase the chargers from Duke Energy, renew the agreement, or have Duke Energy remove the chargers.