MEA offers free EV chargers to local businesses, but hosts pay install costs

Matanuska Electric Association is expanding its Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot Program, offering free commercial-grade EV chargers to local businesses, nonprofits, housing authorities, and government organizations willing to host them. The equipment is the only thing that comes at no cost.

Hosts accepted into the pilot program receive a dual-port ChargePoint Level 2 charger at no charge. Everything else falls to the host: mounting, electrical upgrades, transformer improvements. MEA notes those costs vary depending on a site's existing electrical infrastructure.

Selected hosts can offer charging free to the public or set fees to recover electricity and maintenance expenses. "MEA will collect and analyze anonymized charging data over a three-year period to better understand local EV usage trends and support future planning efforts."

A Broader Push

MEA, headquartered in Palmer, serves the Mat-Su Valley and the Eagle River and Chugiak areas. The pilot program announcement does not frame the effort as part of the Anchorage-to-Fairbanks corridor.

What Hosts Need to Know

Eligible participants include businesses, nonprofits, housing authorities, and government organizations. "Selected participants will receive a commercial-grade dual-port ChargePoint Level 2 EV charger at no cost. Hosts will be responsible for installation and any associated infrastructure costs, including mounting, electrical upgrades, or transformer improvements if required."

Hosts may choose to offer charging free or set fees to recover electricity and maintenance costs. MEA will collect and analyze anonymized charging data over a three-year period.

CEO Tony Izzo is scheduled to host a Taproom Tuesdays series with members in late August to discuss gas supply challenges, future energy planning, and the issues shaping the future of the cooperative.

Organizations interested in hosting a charger can review program requirements and apply at mea.coop.