Vermont Makes $7M Available for EV Charging Stations

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The state of Vermont launched a community electric vehicle charger incentive program Thursday aimed at increasing access to electric charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit homes and public areas.

The $7 million grant program was announced through the offices of Gov. Phil Scott and the state Department of Housing and Community Development. It will be administered through Green Mountain Power.

Incentives will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. To ensure fair distribution, there will be caps on the total incentives issued per applicant, per site and per county.

Pre-approved electrical contractors and local electric utilities will also offer technical assistance to help applicants who may have limited experience with EV charging.

Interested parties can submit pre-applications through the program’s website starting Thursday.

“To meet our carbon emissions goals, we have to make it easier for Vermonters and visitors to convert to cleaner energy,” Scott said in a written statement. “That’s why EV infrastructure has been an area of focus for my administration and partners throughout the state. 

“In fact, Vermont leads the nation in the number of public charging stations per capita,” he continued. “This program will help us increase equity in our electrification efforts, particularly in locations where charging solutions are not as straightforward as in single-family, owner-occupied homes.”

The new program builds upon the success of the Multiunit EV Charging Pilot program, which was introduced in spring 2022. 

The program is supporting the installation of 84 new Level 2 charging ports at 37 different locations across eight counties. Once this work is completed, the program will serve to eliminate the barriers to at-home charging for EV ownership in 6,230 affordable multi-family homes, the state says.

“A robust and widespread charging network is essential infrastructure to help us reach our carbon emissions reduction goals. By working together, we can continue to lead the nation in clean energy by continuing to reduce carbon emissions from transportation,” said Mari McClure, president and CEO of Green Mountain Power, in a written statement. 

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