NYSERDA and Golub Corp. unveil 3 new EV charging stations

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) joined with the Golub Corp., owner of Price Chopper Supermarkets, to unveil three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, supported by the governor's Charge NY program and located at the Price Chopper store. The event marks the first in a network of five Price Chopper stores in the Capital Region expected to install a total of 15 GE WattStation charging stations offering free EV charging for customers. The Saratoga Price Chopper location has offered three wall-mounted electric vehicle stations since it opened in April 2012. "Building this network of innovative charging stations will encourage New Yorkers to use fuel-efficient alternatives like electric vehicles as well as grow the green industry and jobs in the state," governor Cuomo said. "The Charge NY program shows how New York is leading the way toward an electric vehicle future, and it is helping to drive the state's clean energy economy." NYSERDA provided a $46,000 incentive toward the cost of the three GE WattStation pedestal charging stations at the Niskayuna Price Chopper location. The stations are located in the store's parking lot and are covered by a canopy to increase visibility and ease of use during bad weather. NYSERDA has awarded additional funding to the Golub Corporation for EV charging stations, and with approvals pending, the locally-based chain is proposing similar projects to be located adjacent to other Price Chopper stores in Latham, Slingerlands, Clifton Park and Wilton. "Price Chopper's investment in electric vehicle charging stations is a great example of the type of public-private partnerships that Governor Cuomo's Charge NY initiative is encouraging in the State's efforts to build an EV infrastructure," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. "I applaud Price Chopper's investment in EV charging stations, which will help the state reduce its emissions from the transportation sector, the largest source of fossil fuel consumption in the New York." "At Price Chopper, we're proud of our progressive record when it comes to sustainability - as reflected in the investments we've made over the years in LEED-certified construction, storm water and waste management systems, high efficiency heating, refrigeration, lighting, and water-efficient plumbing - and of the work that we've done in partnership with NYSERDA," said Jerry Golub, president & CEO of the family-managed, 81 year old supermarket chain. "As a business headquartered in the Capital Region of New York, with more than 50 stores across the state, we are gratified that our plans to pilot an EV charging station network align with the Governor's goal to expand EV charging infrastructure throughout the State and that NYSERDA saw fit to support our efforts with some incentive funding. The recent arrival of GE's new WattStation charging pedestals has officially set our plan in motion, which will lead to increased EV charging accessibility for all who use or are considering use of an EV or hybrid vehicle." "We are honored that GE's WattStation(tm) EV chargers were selected for this important collaboration with Price Chopper and NYSERDA, and are excited to support the Charge NY EV charging infrastructure initiative," said Seth Cutler, Lead Product Manager, EV Infrastructure, for GE's Industrial Solutions business. Charge NY, unveiled by Governor Cuomo during his State of the State address earlier this year, looks to expand the EV market by creating a statewide network of public and workplace charging stations and consumer incentives. In addition, the 2013-14 NYS Budget includes a tax credit for the installation of electric vehicle recharging property. The tax credit will provide up to $5,000 or 50 percent, whichever is less, for equipment required to provide power to an electric vehicle's onboard energy storage system. The tax credit can be applied for property placed in service beginning January 1, 2013 and is available through the end of 2017.