PWD ADDS ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS TO SERVE COMMUNITY by Judy Shay Dec 6, 2017 Member Submitted News Palmdale, CA – Staying true to its commitment to regional leadership and clean energy, Palmdale Water District (PWD) officially unveiled today two new ChargePoint electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its main office. Representatives from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD), City of Palmdale, Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, Antelope Valley African American Chamber of Commerce and the Antelope Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joined PWD in cutting the red ribbon at the event. CarMax provided an electric vehicle. “As PWD Board of Directors President, I am very proud that we’re taking the initiative to go green and encourage our community to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Robert E. Alvarado. “We are very excited to partner with the AVAQMD and to add another source of clean energy to our facilities’ infrastructure.” As a trial period and in celebration of its 100th anniversary, PWD is offering FREE charging for electric vehicles through Dec. 5, 2018. There are now six charging station locations in the east side of Palmdale. Other sites in PWD’s service area include Pete Knight High School, Dry Town Water Park, Palmdale High School, Palmdale Civic Center and the Palmdale Transportation Center. “The AVAQMD is committed to supporting projects that reduce or eliminate locally generated air pollution,” said AVAQMD Board Chairman Marvin Crist. “Assisting the Palmdale Water District with the installation of public access electric vehicle charging infrastructure supports the expanded use of zero emission electric vehicles in the Antelope Valley and reduces locally generated air pollution.” The AVAQMD currently offers an Alternative Fuel Vehicle program that pays $1,000 on electric plug-in vehicles purchased from Antelope Valley dealerships. The installment of the two charging stations was made possible through a grant from AVAQMD. The two charging units, including labor, cost $37,039. The District was responsible for $6,250 and provided the labor for the installations. This equals to receiving an 82 percent grant for the project. The one charging station that is for the public is in front of the PWD building at 2029 East Avenue Q. This larger unit has one charging port that has a 100 miles per charging hour capability, depending on the type of electric vehicle. The second unit, located in the northwest corner behind the employee parking area, has two charging ports and a 25 miles per charging hour capability, also dependent on the vehicle type. It will be used primarily by PWD employees. “The stations have been in a testing period for about a month,” said PWD Engineering/Grant Manager Jim Riley. “They have been successfully used many times.” Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer service; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water conservation; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about the PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org. ###
