Duke Energy helps fund EV charging infrastructure

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Two of Duke Energy’s electric transportation infrastructure pilot programs were greenlighted by the state’s public service commission recently.

The programs, originally proposed in 2018 after feedback sessions from Duke Energy Carolina and Duke Energy Progress stakeholders, were created to bolster electric vehicle infrastructure across Duke’s service area over three years. They and are set to launch Jan. 1, according to a news release.

The company’s Fast Charging Program involves the installation of 60 fast chargers of 100 kilowatts and above across Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress territory. To cover the home front, Duke’s Residential EV Charging Program will grant 400 territory residents $1,000 to install a Level Two charging station at their home, provide access to charging data and manage the EV charging load during off-peak seasons, according to a release.

The programs were designed to lend support to the state’s expanding EV markets thanks to the economic benefits sparked by trading gas for electric fuel, according to the release. The gathering of charging load data will help Duke gauge the impact of EV on its electric system and customer response.

"Electric vehicles are coming to South Carolina, but more investment is needed to grow the adoption of this evolving technology and the benefits it brings to the state," Mike Callahan, president of Duke Energy's South Carolina facility, "We're listening to our customers to ensure we understand their electrification plans and needs. These pilot programs will help prepare us to meet the challenge to ensure we can keep up with increasing demand for electrification."