PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
City of Aspen to Implement a Payment System at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Charging for Charging Begins August 8, 2022
Contacts:
Tim Karfs, Climate and Sustainability Program Administrator, City of Aspen, 1-970-379-7389, Tim.Karfs@aspen.gov
Jami McMannes, Communications Manager, City of Aspen, 1-970-765-4752, Jami.McMannes@aspen.gov
Aspen, Colo. – August 2, 2022 – Beginning August 8, 2022, the City of Aspen will charge a fee for the use of their fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Users of the DCFC fast-charging stations are subject to a $0.45/ kWh demand use charge. The fast-charging stations are located near Aspen City Hall, and across from the Ruby Park Transit Center.
Cities across the country, including Aspen, are introducing demand charges to offset the operational costs and increased electricity usage involved with EV charging. According to conservative projections made by the City of Aspen, there is an expected 25% year-over-year EV growth rate in the tri-county region, and the costs associated with charging these EVs will increase. The update to the City of Aspen charging policy requires EV drivers to pay for a resource that they have previously received for free.
Currently, there are two DCFC fast-charging stations in Aspen and six level 2 charging stations. The City of Aspen will begin charging for level 2 charging in January 2023. The charging rate has not yet been determined.
The City of Aspen set science-based targets for community greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 63% by 2030 and 100% (zero carbon) by 2050. As part of the plan to reach these goals, the City plans to install 40 (plus or minus 5) EV charging station plugs by 2026.
There are currently 622 EVs registered in Pitkin County and the numbers are increasing. Drivers across the world are switching to EVs to offset the cost of increasing gas prices and reduce their carbon footprint. DCFC fast-charging is available to EV drivers that need charging services on the go. Drivers will use the ChargePoint app or the kiosk near the charging station to pay for charging.
For more information about the location of charging stations, charging rates, and EV programs and rebates, visit aspen.gov/919/Electric-Vehicles.
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