The Fullerton City Council will discuss an important opportunity on November 17: joining a Southern California Edison (SCE) program designed to build electric infrastructure to support the city’s fleet of vehicles. They will also consider spending about $273,000 on charging equipment from ChargePoint.

The city’s Public Works Director, Stephen Bise, has prepared a report asking the council to approve a participation agreement for SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Program. Additionally, he is requesting permission for the administrative services director to issue a purchase order of up to $300,000 for the charging equipment through a cooperative purchasing contract.

This initiative aligns with California’s recent regulations aimed at reducing air pollution. In April 2023, the California Air Resources Board mandated that public agencies gradually transition from gas and diesel vehicles to zero-emission vehicles. Although the city has encountered challenges in acquiring a sufficient number of electric vehicles, it has already tested some electric options, including Ford Lightning pickups.

What Will SCE Provide?

If the council approves the plan, SCE will cover the costs of designing and installing the electrical infrastructure that will be required at no expense to the city. This infrastructure includes essential equipment like electrical service, transformers, and other distribution gear, allowing the city to install the chargers itself.

The planned site for this infrastructure is located at 1580 W. Commonwealth Ave. The installation will feature a switchboard, a step-down transformer, and distribution boards to support the city’s future electric fleet. Notably, all 14 charging ports are designated for city fleet vehicles only, meaning they won’t be available for public use.

Details on the Charging Equipment

The city is looking to purchase 12 Level 2 chargers and 2 DC fast chargers. This plan is a practical approach that addresses immediate needs without overspending. According to the latest quote from ChargePoint, the equipment includes a mix of charging stations and maintenance services, totaling $272,924 when including taxes and shipping. However, the report does not provide an estimate for the installation costs of these chargers.

Commitments and Responsibilities

Joining the SCE program comes with several obligations for the city. If the agreement is approved, the city must:

– Maintain ownership and operation of the chargers for at least ten years.
– Follow a Vehicle Acquisition Plan detailing the purchase of electric vehicles.
– Face costs if they exit the program early or fail to comply with the agreement’s terms. (None of the documents give a dollar figure for early exit fees. There is no flat or set fee. The agreement only explains how the bill would be calculated.)

This initiative represents a step towards reducing carbon emissions and modernizing Fullerton’s vehicle fleet, while also seeking to address the challenges posed by new environmental regulations. As the council meets to discuss this proposal, the outcomes could significantly shape the future of the city’s transportation and environmental impact.