Utilizing a $173,763 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) will install 15 electric vehicle charging stations at public parking lots in and around downtown Traverse City this summer. The plan was approved by the TCLP board at its meeting this week.

Twelve of the chargers will be dual-port Level 2, and three will be DC Fast chargers.

The specific locations and timeline have not yet been announced, but officials expect the majority of the stations to be installed by mid-July.

“When an electric vehicle owner wants to visit the downtown area they will be able to charge their vehicle while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Statistics have shown that if someone has a vehicle charging they will spend more time shopping and dining than they otherwise would," says Jacob Hardy, TCLP energy waste reduction and key accounts manager.

Thirty-two entities throughout the state were awarded such grants; TCLP was awarded the second highest amount in this round of funding.

The charging stations are the latest environmental effort by TCLP to reduce its carbon footprint. The city-owned utility has also commited to converting all power supply to renewable sources by 2040 and promoting energy efficient projects through rebates and an on-bill financing program.