Con Edison is offering incentives for developers and building owners to install safe charging stations for electric bikes and scooters in disadvantaged communities.
The program, PowerReady Micromobility, is targeted to enhance safety and access to clean transportation in disadvantaged communities as defined by the state's climate law. The incentives are part of Con Edison's commitment to help usher in a clean energy future equitably and efficiently with every New Yorker sharing in the benefits of a more sustainable grid.
Increasing the use of these devices will reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered transportation, meaning cleaner air and quieter communities.
"Con Edison's PowerReady Micromobility Program helps property owners and developers install safe e-mobility charging stations outside their buildings by offsetting upfront costs," said FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn. "The FDNY recommends charging and storing these devices outside where possible and supports increasing access to safe, reliable outdoor chargers. This program is an important step forward in keeping New Yorkers safe."
Electric micromobility devices are an efficient mode of clean transportation, especially in dense urban areas, and an affordable alternative to cars. Con Edison wants to give users of e-bikes and e-scooters a safer alternative to charging inside their homes because that practice can cause a rapidly moving fire. Where possible, do not charge or store your device inside.
"Con Edison wants to help New Yorkers have access to safe, reliable charging to support these forms of clean transportation," said Raghu Sudhakara, vice president, Distributed Resource Integration, for Con Edison. "Our PowerReady Micromobility Program will make access to electric mobility safer and easier, especially for residents of disadvantaged communities, which is a critical component in advancing New York's clean energy goals."
Interested parties should reach out to dl-micromobility@coned.com to learn more about the financial incentives for projects and how to get started.
Eligibility
- Prospective participants must apply for the Micromobility Program. The application is on Con Edison's website at www.coned.com/micromobility.
- The charging site must be accessible to the public and in a disadvantaged community, as defined by New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act; or, in or adjacent to apartments where the income of the residents meets certain criteria.
Incentives
The incentives will cover:
- Up to 100 percent of costs of upgrades to the Con Edison electric delivery equipment that is needed to serve the chargers;
- Up to 50 percent of the costs of any infrastructure upgrades the participant needs to make to accommodate the chargers.
Safety
Con Edison urges anyone using a lithium-ion battery to make sure the battery has been certified by UL or another nationally accredited safety testing lab, comply with FDNY safety rules and guidance, use only charging cables that the manufacturer recommends, and stop using a battery that is damaged. The FDNY offers lithium-ion battery safety information and safety tips for lithium-ion batteries. The National Fire Protection Association also offers safety advice for lithium-ion batteries.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues and $68 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit conEd.com.
