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Mr. Baas discussed the rationale for charging a fee. He explained that government has stepped in <br /> to provide this service as a public good due to a lack of action in the private market. However, <br /> long-term, the city aims to incentivize the private market to install chargers as part of new <br /> commercial and residential developments and to incentivize residents to do the same at their <br /> homes. If the city continues to provide this service free of charge, it risks becoming the sole <br /> provider and distorting the marketplace by disincentivizing it from investing in private <br /> infrastructure. <br /> Mr. Baas discussed the need to consider replacement costs of the current chargers. The current <br /> chargers have an estimated lifespan of ten years. It is not anticipated that grant funds will be <br /> available replace chargers. <br /> Mr. Baas shared information that he gathered on nearby EV chargers and their rates. Rates are <br /> charged per kilowatt hour. Shaker Heights recently debated adding an EV rate and decided to <br /> charge $0.20/kWh. <br /> Mr. Baas explained the various components of a fair rate for use of an EV charger, which <br /> includes the cost of electricity, the cost of future replacement of the equipment and the cost of <br /> idling time. The idling time cost would be similar to the existing parking code and would be <br /> necessary to ensure fair access to the charger. Two dollars per hour is currently being considered. <br /> Regarding the cost of future replacement, Mr. Baas recommended that the equipment be replaced <br /> after 10 years and that an extended warranty be purchased after 5 years. <br /> Councilmember Rader contemplated that new signage would be needed to ensure that drivers <br /> were fully aware of the penalties of parking in these spots without charging. <br /> Councilmember Bullock advocated for rates that are competitive and fair to users with the caveat <br /> that penalties could be sharper for misuse of the charging spots. <br /> Councilmember Shachner asked the department to look into the infrastructure bill that recently <br /> passed, which contains some EV charging money. <br /> Councilmember Rader asked for information at the next meeting about how charging may affect <br /> usage. He expressed overall support for charging as part of a sustainable model. He committed to <br /> scheduling a follow up meeting on the topic. <br /> Public Works and Sustainability Committee adjourned at 7:04 <br /> 2 <br />