Cotati City Council Says Yes to E-Charging Stations, Vows to Monitor Cost and Demand

The Cotati City Council Wednesday night unanimously approved a plan to install three plug-in electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall — part of a countywide initiative that aims to broaden the county's green energy grid.

Funded by two federal grants — from the Department of Energy and American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 — the charging stations would not cost the city any money for the tryout phase, according to a staff report.

The grant requires that the city operate the plug-in stations in a public location through 2013, said Cotati City Engineer, Damien Obid. After that the city could opt to keep the stations for an annual fee of between $200 and $500 over the next three years, plus the cost of electricity, or choose to eliminate the program.

The city would also be required to pay for the electricity used in the trial phase. Coulomb Technologies, a company that builds e-charging stations, would pay for the installation and maintenance through 2013. 

Dave Head, Sonoma County's fleet manager, said the pilot program would increase the county's electric vehicle charging stations to roughly 120. According to an article published in the Press Democrat this week, that's up from the current 40 today. Read their in-depth story describing the program here.

The countywide effort, dubbed the Sonoma County Electric Trail, has been in the works for the last two years, Head said. Included in the north and western portions of the county, stations could be installed to include more wineries and county parks.

In total, the program would add 18 charging stations in six cities in southern Sonoma County, according to Head. 

"We're looking to start construction in March or early April, so we're looking for your support," he added. "This would give Sonoma County one of the broadest network of electric vehicle charging stations nationwide."

Councilmembers expressed support, but raised questions about future subscription fees after the pilot program ends, about maps to find the stations and about cost of upkeep.

"I don't know right now if I'm 100 percent sold on the business model," said Councilman Mark Landman, who also aised questions about demand and cost to the taxpayers.

"It's really important to know where these are and if they're functioning," said Councilman John Dell'Osso. 

Dell'Osso said he'd love to see the charging stations hooked up to solar stations, as well — though he conceded it would take money.

Head responded, noting that publishing some kind of map and securing financing for for solar installations would be difficult in the near-term.

Landman asked if a public-private partnership is a typical model for this kind of program.

Head said the county is creating the model as they go.

"We're actually paving the way," he said. "We're out in front and we're developing this business model as we go, because no one else has really done it. We're learning."

"I support this it's agood program we should take advantage of," said coucilwoman Janet Orchard.

Councilwoman Pat Gilardi agreed.

"I feel that the majority of the city would not want us to turn down a grant opporuntiy," she said. 

Three members of the public spoke, also citing concern about cost to taxpayers and about clean energy.

Cotati resident George Barich said the energy wasn't really "clean," and said he didn't want the cost of the electricty to be passed onto residents.

"I think the city should forego this project," he said.

Joyce Garcia, also of Cotati, questioned demand for electric plug-in stations.

"My feeling is there isn't a large demand," she said.

The council agreed to monitor cost and demand over the next year.

"We need to look at both sides of the equation, not just say this is a waste of money," Dell'Osso said.

Installation would begin this Spring, in March or April, according to Head. Customers who want to use the stations could pay by opening an account online with Coulomb or simply with a credit card, Obid said.