PUEBLO – The City of Pueblo and Black Hills Energy installed three ChargePoint duel-port level II electric vehicle charging stations with assistance from the State of Colorado Charge Ahead Grant. These new stations are in three public parking lots in Downtown Pueblo; the municipal parking lot at Main St. and “D” St., the bus terminal parking garage at Court St. and W. City Center Dr., and public lot at W. 8th St. and Court St. The stations are available for use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cost of charging at each is $1.35 per hour, which is paid through the ChargePoint app for smart phones.

The City of Pueblo has a long reputation of environmental stewardship and conservation. In 2017, the city made national news with its commitment to 100% renewable energy by the year 2035. This a commitment to minimize our dependence of fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint in energy production. On the micro, level electric vehicles, aim to meet this same goal. Therefore, by providing the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicle technology to remain competitive within Pueblo is consistent with the City’s long-term sustainability goals.

In October, Black Hills Energy approached the city about a partnership in applying for the State of Colorado Charge Ahead Grant. Black Hills handled installation and additional costs of installation. The City has provided dedicated parking spaces. The units are owned by the city but works with vendors for billing, service delivery, and maintenance needs.

As part of the grant, the City will enter a 5-year service contract with ChargePoint, which includes support and maintenance of the charging stations. At the end of the grant, the City may choose to continue with ChargePoint, change vendors, or develop its own interface with the charging stations.

The grant award was for $27,000.

Users can register at register at chargepoint.com.