First “Freedom Station” debuted Tuesday, part of EV charging network
to help drivers reduce fossil fuel and save money
RUTLAND — On Tuesday, June 9, Green Mountain Power & NRG, a Fortune 250 company, opened a new public electric vehicle charging station in Rutland to help electric vehicle owners save money and charge up more quickly. The chargers are conveniently located downtown on Cottage Street and are the first “Freedom Stations” to be installed in Vermont in partnership with NRG EVgo. It is to be the first comprehensive electric vehicle charging network in New England.
GMP and EVgo plan to install 12 Freedom Stations statewide this year, increasing Vermont’s energy independence and contributing to cleaner air and lower carbon emissions.
“These new chargers represent the best in fast charging technology and we are so pleased to be offering them in Rutland, the Energy City of the Future,” said Mary Powell, president and CEO of Green Mountain Power. “Our goal is to help Vermonters save money and reduce fossil fuel use through innovative products and services like these chargers, all while continuing to provide highly reliable, clean and cost-effective power.”
Vermont is the first New England state to be added to NRG EVgo’s national public fast-charging network, and GMP is the first utility in the country to partner to expand the EVgo network. GMP and NRG are partnering to bring cutting-edge technology to Vermont to make Vermont a national leader in sustainable energy by creating a new energy model that allows customers to save money by using less energy.
“NRG EVgo is excited to partner with GMP to offer the first statewide DC fast-charging network in New England,” said Denise Wilson executive vice president of NRG. “The NRG EVgo network is the only one in the nation that can charge all EVs on the road today. Vermont is a fantastic addition to the fastest-growing DC fast-charging network in the nation.”
GMP is developing a plan to include electric vehicles as part of its first-in-the-nation home energy program. GMP’s eHome program helps families improve their homes with the latest in energy efficiency and clean energy technology like heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, solar, weatherization, smart plugs and phone apps to control and track usage in real time from anywhere.
“The exciting energy transformation work in partnership with GMP is helping transform Rutland into the energy city of the future, while spurring economic growth and helping families reduce their costs,” said Rutland Mayor Chris Louras. “Transportation is a critical component of a thriving community. As more and more Vermonters and visitors move to electric vehicles, it’s vital that we have the infrastructure to support them.”
The EVgo Freedom Station is capable of providing approximately 80 percent of a battery charge in 25 minutes when using the DC fast-charging option. The chargers also have level 2 capabilities that provide up to 24 miles of charge per hour.
GMP and EVgo offer customers the option to pay as they go or sign up for various monthly charging subscriptions starting around $5.95 a month.
GMP partnered with property owner Mark Foley, the president of MFK Properties, to install the charging stations.
“This is a great way to help the environment and also to help attract people downtown to our great restaurants and shops,” said Mark Foley.
In addition to the Rutland locations, GMP and EVgo plan to build out a comprehensive charging station network, including 12 Freedom Stations, across Vermont this year. Other locations include Quechee, White River Junction and Waterbury.
For more information about electric vehicles and charging facilities across Vermont, visit GMP at: www.greenmountainpower.com/products-services/overview/about-evgo/.
