Central Maine Power (CMP) launched a pilot program Sept. 1 as part of a state effort to understand consumer preferences in funding the installation of Level 2 chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) across Maine. The goal of the program is to determine what incentives are more valued by developers, fleet managers, municipal planners, and others who decide to install chargers.

CMP is offering a “make-ready” solution where the company will install, maintain, and retain ownership of the electrical infrastructure needed to connect to the charging pads. The company will offer up to $4,000 in incentives toward the cost of the infrastructure and applicants must install a minimum of four “plugs." Level 2 chargers, which are 240 volts and must be professionally installed, typically charge vehicles about five times faster than a Level 1, 120-volt charger depending upon the car.

“Transportation currently accounts for half of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions tied to fossil fuel combustion, so it is imperative we all work together to find solutions that enable EV expansion,” said Jason Rauch, energy, environmental, and regulatory policy manager for CMP. “The location and availability of chargers is one of the most important factors people consider as they decide whether to purchase an EV and we are committed to collecting information for Maine as part of a plan to make EV’s more accessible.”

ReVision Energy is partnering with CMP to perform the infrastructure installation during the pilot.

“As a lifelong Mainer, I am deeply concerned that Maine has the highest per capita carbon pollution in New England which is negatively impacting the Gulf of Maine and industries tied to our precious natural resources,” said Phil Coupe, a co-founder of ReVision Energy. “We are eager to partner in this work to install infrastructure that will help move the adoption of EV’s in Maine forward.  It will take all business sectors working together to help move the state toward meeting its climate goals.”

The pilot was approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to promote the beneficial electrification of the transportation sector, part of a package passed by the Maine State Legislature in 2019 and is intended for applicants installing chargers in workplaces and public spaces such as municipalities, multi-unit residences, company garages and commercial spaces.

Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) is also conducting a parallel pilot as part of the same program.  EMT will offer rebates to applicants who will then purchase and install their own electrical infrastructure to connect to the charging pads. The EMT program is available statewide. 

CMP’s make-ready grant program will be conducted through an open enrollment process and requires applicants to complete a program application form found here. Selection criteria will be used to determine which applicants will be chosen to participate in the program, with preference given to applicants who intend to install networked instead of basic chargers. The review process for acceptance into the program will begin Oct. 1,2020, and applications will be considered on a first-applied – first reviewed basis.