United Illuminating Calls for Contractors for Statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Program
Company calls for contractors to take advantage of the state’s EV program
ORANGE, Conn. – April 7, 2022 – With a shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing cleaner transportation across the state, United Illuminating (UI) – a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) – is inviting electrical contractors to submit RFPs to support the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Connecticut. This effort is part of a collaboration between UI, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and Eversource to develop a massive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure which will support the state’s goal of having 125,000 to 150,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2025.
“This program is an opportunity for contractors expand and diversify their existing business operations by entering the growing EV infrastructure market space; while simultaneously taking advantage of current and future funding opportunities,” said President and CEO of UI, Frank Reynolds.
To help customers, stakeholders and contractors understand the statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Program, which officially launched on January 1, 2022, the energy company is holding a series of webinars throughout the year. The most recent webinar was for electrical contractors hosted on March 31, 2022. Throughout this webinar series, UI has found that at least one-third of participants are getting involved or are involved with going green with an EV.
Information on the commercial programs and the Business & Municipal Destination Charging, Workplace & Fleet Charging, Developers & Multi-Unit Dwellings, and Commercial Fast Charging segments can be found on the UI website.
Through this incentive program, UI and Eversource will cover significant portions of the eligible costs of infrastructure investments and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) hardware. Up to 100% reimbursable infrastructure investments include conduit and trenching, electrical panels, futureproofing, new or upgraded electric service, pads, permitting, site design and engineering. EVSE hardware covered are charging stations, which UI and Eversource will reimburse up to 50%.
The project process has several main steps. First, applicants must plan a project and put together a proposal, and apply to the program. Once that is completed, the applicant will receive an incentive reservation letter. Once installation and activation of the hardware is completed, applicants will submit an invoice and payment form request. Applicants may then be asked for an installation verification if it is requested. Once all of the steps are completed, the applicant will receive a rebate, which can be assigned to a third party by the applicant.
Earthlight Technologies, based in Ellington, CT, which focuses on energy efficiency, solar power, energy storage and electric vehicle chargers for residents and businesses has already signed up for the program.
Michael DiPanfilo, a local contractor at Earthlight Technologies said, “We believe this incentive brings a new chapter to our business model and is a new opportunity for our talented team of project developers and electricians. This program allows us to better serve our clients who wish to invest in the modernization of their facilities and provide new services to their community.”
“Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise and to keep up with the pace, the development of a robust charging infrastructure is needed. This type of work is perfect for a contractor with specialized skills such as Earthlight Technologies and we are particularly excited about the EV Charging Program by United Illuminating and industry partners,” DiPanfilo added.
In addition to the commercial EV infrastructure funding opportunities, contractors may also add residential EV installation to their list of service offerings. Homeowners can take advantage of a charging station incentive package that includes:
- A rebate towards a Level 2 “smart” charger which uses a 240-volt electric supply and can charge an electric vehicle up to nine times faster than a normal wall outlet.
- A rebate towards the wiring needed to complete its installation: Level 2 “smart” chargers require the same wiring as a clothes dryer or an electric stove to provide enough power to efficiently charge the vehicle.
- Ongoing incentives for participating in UI’s Managed Charging program, which rewards customers for using less energy during periods of peak demand.
“Our objective is to do everything we can to support a clean, green energy future. UI is happy to put this work into action by collaborating with our industry partners and PURA to ensure that Connecticut can meet its clean energy goals,” concluded Reynolds.
The most recent webinar about CT electrical contractors provides helpful information on the details of the program and how to participate. Click here to see the complete calendar and to register for an upcoming webinar.
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About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,600 miles of electric distribution lines and 138 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 341,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award in 2019 and 2021. For more information, visit uinet.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 US states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.
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