New York State continues to make significant strides in addressing the importance of clean energy, setting an example to the rest of the country on the importance of addressing, "the greatest threat facing life as we know it," climate change [1]. In 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Existing as the most aggressive clean energy and climate program nationwide and includes targets for an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, a carbon reduction of 22 million tons through energy efficiency and electrification, and converting the state to 70% renewable energy sources by 2030 [1].
Without a doubt, a great portion of cutting emissions will include a rapid increase in driving electric. Over the last year, New York State has continually emphasized its goal of having 850,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2025, and two million by 2030. Based on data collected by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), there are currently about 51,000 registered electric vehicles on the state's roads [2]. If you were wondering, 850,000 EV on the road by 2025 comes out to be around a 1,000 percent increase in just five years.
In response to such an astronomical jump in the number of electric vehicles, it is evident that the amount of EV charging stations will also need to increase significantly, beyond EV drivers only charging from home. Based on research from the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) workplace and public charging opportunities nationwide will need to increase by 400 percent over the next five years to accommodate charging needs for the amount of EVs projected to be on the road by 2025[3].
Of course, scaling up infrastructure is an expensive, time-consuming endeavor. However, Governor Cuomo announced the statewide "Make-Ready" Program in early 2020 to promote the distribution of electric vehicle charging stations statewide, making it a swift and affordable process[4]. The Make-Ready Program is set to run through 2025 to mirror the state's EV goal and is expected to provide upwards of $2.6 billion in net benefits to New Yorkers. As described by the Governor's Office, "The Make Ready initiative will direct the State's utilities to build the grid infrastructure needed to enable the installation of publicly accessible chargers, encouraging more New Yorkers to choose electric vehicles while creating jobs and ensuring our energy dollars stay in-state.”[4]
One of the largest utility providers in New York State is National Grid. As a part of the Make-Ready initiative, National Grid assists to customers looking to install charging stations through providing an outline of EV charging, assisting with site selection and assessment, and, most importantly, helping with costs by funding up to 100 percent of infrastructure and installation[5].
To effectively help businesses and property owners distinguish themselves as visible leaders that care about the environment and future generations, National Grid also works with Livingston Energy Group, to make your installation process seamless, start to finish.
Livingston Energy Group offers candidates with qualifying properties the Livingston Commercial Partner Program, the only program of its kind across the entire industry, as an opportunity to increase property value, leverage parking, attract a high-value customer base, keep customers shopping longer and increase customer spending all through installing EV charging stations. If you believe you have a qualifying property and/or are interested in learning more about this program, please visit https://www.solution.energy/apply.
[1] “Climate change is a reality. New York is fighting it.” New York State, 2020. https://climate.ny.gov/
[2] “Electric Vehicle Registration Map.” NYSERDA, 2020. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/ChargeNY/Support-Electric/Map-of-EV-Registrations
[3] “QUANTIFYING THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE GAP ACROSS U.S. MARKETS.” The International Council on Clean Transportation. January, 2019. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/US_charging_Gap_20190124.pdf
[4] “Governor Cuomo Announces “Make-Ready” Program for Electric Vehicles. New York State. January, 2020. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-make-ready-program-electric-vehicles
[5] “Lead by Example: Go Green with National Grid.” National Grid US, 2018. https://www.nationalgridus.com/media/pdfs/bus-ways-to-save/ee7170-evchargingfactsheet4pager_ma-ri.pdf
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