Community Energy Association (CEA) is pleased to announce the launch of several funding streams to support the installation of DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) and Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

EV ownership by Kootenay residents, and visits to our region by EV visitors, has ballooned in the last four years. This increase in EVs driving to and within the Kootenays is a big opportunity for businesses, local governments and tourism asset owners and operators to attract visitors by providing guests, patrons and workers with convenient charging.

The new funding programs offer varying level of financial support and an upcoming information session will help clarify how to apply and which grant is best for specific site hosts. Register for the webinar.

The first program – Accelerate Kootenays 2.0 – builds off the successful 2018 program, Accelerate Kootenays, which deployed 40 Level 2 and 13 DCFCs in communities across the Kootenays. Now, with collaborative support again from the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay and East Kootenay as part of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition, this funding program will fill in gaps in our region, improve connectivity and further energize travel to and within the Kootenays. For more information.

The second program is offered in partnership with Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT). This funding is available to municipal, non-profit and Indigenous partners who own a tourism asset in the region. Kathy Cooper, Kootenay Rockies Tourism’s CEO noted, “Installation of charging infrastructure allows for tourism operators to reach out to new markets including urban travellers from Alberta, B.C. and the Pacific Northwest, and in doing so achieve a competitive edge as a business, with the potential to secure additional revenue through increased visitation. It will also support a more sustainable form of travel to and within our destination.”

For more information about the Electric Vehicle Travel Opportunity for the tourism industry.

Across all programs, a variety of entities could have the cost of installing EV chargers – both Level 2 and DC fast chargers – significantly reduced. This includes municipalities, Indigenous communities, private organizations, registered non-profits, and tourism asset owners and operators, including accommodators.

To learn more about the programs, join the January 13 information session.

e-KNOW file photo

Community Energy Association

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