District sets user fees for EV charging stations

The District of Squamish has set a user fee for EV charging stations that the District will build and own in the future, though it doesn’t own any charging stations now.

Based on available data and expert advice, the following fee structure will be implemented for District charging infrastructure:

$2.00/hr for Level 2 chargers

$0.25/minute for fast chargers

In creating the new user fee, the District determined that fees must be equitable, flexible and consistent with other infrastructure in Squamish and with nearby communities.

Rates that are too low will lead to dis-incentivizing private operators from developing infrastructure, and rates that are too high will lead to very low usage, notes a staff report to council.

The fees setting is part of the two Big Moves, that form part of the Community Climate Action Plan: Shift beyond the car, and Decarbonize Transportation. District’s goal is that by 2030, twice as many trips in the community are taken by active transportation or transit, and 50% of passenger vehicles and 10% of commercial vehicles to be electric or similarly low carbon.

The Sea-to-Sky Corridor is part of the “West Coast Green Highway,” which extends from Whistler to San Diego, California. The District of Squamish currently has 10 charging stations throughout town, including the fast charging station downtown across from Municipal Hall.

“The District recently set fees only for EV chargers that The District of Squamish will build and own. At present the District does not own any chargers. The charger across from Municipal Hall is owned and operated by BC Hydro, and the other chargers in town are owned and operated by a range of organizations. These groups can set their own prices,” said Ian Picketts, PhD | Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change.