MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest has added several electric vehicle charging stations on campus through a partnership with Kansas City Power & Light.
Three electric vehicle charging stations, serving six parking spots, have been installed at Northwest as part of the KCP&L Clean Charge Network. The charging stations service two parking spots in Lot 20, east of Valk Center, and four spots in Lot 59, south of the Jon T. Rickman Electronic Campus Support Center. Beginning with the fall trimester, the locations will be reserved for electric-vehicle-only parking.
Under the agreement, KCP&L provides the equipment and installation, and Northwest pays the cost for the electricity consumed for two years. During the first two years of the program, vehicle owners will be able to charge their electric vehicles at no cost.
“This has the potential to be a great benefit for faculty, staff and students who commute a modest distance,” Northwest Energy Manager Daniel Boyt said.
Dr. Robert Dewhirst, professor of political science, is one Northwest faculty member who owns an electric vehicle and is excited about the installation of the charging stations.
“I love my electric car and am pleased that Northwest is taking the lead in supporting alternative energy vehicles,” Dewhirst said. “I hope this provides a further incentive for everyone on campus to drive an electric vehicle.”
Installation of the KCP&L Clean Charge Network will be completed later this year. Upon its completion, more than 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed across the region, making the effort the first and largest electric vehicle charging station
installation by an electric utility in the United States.
KCP&L also has assisted Northwest in funding several energy conservation projects, providing more than $200,000 in incentives since 2013. The projects have improved building control and reduced energy and maintenance costs at Northwest.
For more information about the electric vehicle charging stations at Northwest, contact Daniel Boyt at [email protected] or 660.562.1182. For more information about the KCP&L Clean Charge Network, visit www.kcpl.com/cleancharge.