AGENDA TITLE:
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Direction from City Council Regarding Public Electric Vehicle Charging Rate Pilot Project (EU)
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MEETING DATE:
August 20, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Jiayo Chiang, Senior Electric Utility Resources Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Seek direction from City Council regarding the Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Pilot Project.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In April 2024, City Council approved the implementation of a one-year pilot project to begin charging $1.75 per hour effective June 1, 2024, for the use of public EV charging stations owned by the City.
The pilot project was implemented in an effort to maximize recovery of capital, maintenance and operating costs not recovered through grant funding associated with the newly installed Level II EV charging stations located at Hutchins Street Square, the Library, City Hall, Finance, Kofu Park and the Downtown Parking Garage.
As expected, actual use of the charging stations declined once customers were required to pay. For the period from June 2024 to May 2025, the data shows a decrease in charging hours of 48 percent, a reduction in energy use of 42 percent and a decline in charging sessions of 45 percent. This decrease in usage resulted in a net annual revenue loss of $17,341, inclusive of the 10 percent network provider service fee.
On July 17, 2025, the Risk Oversight Committee (ROC) reviewed a report on the pilot project and recommended City Council continue the pilot program for at least one additional year, charging a rate which continues to work toward full cost recovery. This additional year will provide time to analyze usage associated with the installation of one additional station at Lodi Lake. Staff will provide a presentation to City Council summarizing the pilot project findings and seek direction on the future of the pilot program in accordance with the ROC’s recommendation.
STRATEGIC VISION:
5A. Infrastructure: Invest in innovative infrastructure with a high Return of Investment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual fiscal impact will depend on the specific direction provided by City Council as it relates to future implementation of the pilot project.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.