Vermont Business Magazine The next generation is embracing electric vehicles! Students in the Money Energy Power class at Champlain Valley Union High School came up with the idea as a class project to put in an electric vehicle charging station at CVU. The students worked with Green Mountain Power to install the station that is now in service. “We were thrilled when the CVU students approached us about the benefits of installing an EV charging station,” said Kristin Carlson at Green Mountain Power. “This will be available to students, faculty and the public and will be an important part building a comprehensive EV charging network across Vermont. As Vermont’s Energy Company of the future, it is so exciting to partner with the next generation on projects like this, as we transition to a low carbon, low cost, reliable future where energy is generated and used closer to where it is needed.”
GMP’s commitment to a comprehensive statewide EV charging network will help increase Vermont’s energy independence and contribute to cleaner air and lower carbon emissions. GMP has installed charging stations in 31 locations, ten of which have a DC Fast Charger. CVU is the first school to partner with GMP to place a charging station on site. The four students who let this project are Burke Spillane, Colin Osbahr, Jack Reynolds and Jarrett Slote.
“CVU students are so aware of the importance of changing how we use energy,” said Glenn Fay, CVU science teacher who worked with the students on this project. “And it is impressive how they take action to change the world. We appreciate GMP partnering to make this a reality.”
“ It was so exciting to work on this project and see it come to fruition,” said Burke Spillane, a student who worked on the projct. “This shows we can make a difference, help the environment and build a better world.”
“The location at CVU is perfect for a charging station. Many people work, study or have business at CVU and can conveniently charge their vehicles,” Carlson said. “Everyone wins – the students see how they can be effective, and Vermonters save money and reduce fossil fuel use through GMP’s innovative products and services like these chargers, all while we continue to provide reliable, clean and cost-effective power.”
The charging station at Champlain Valley Union High School will serve all electric vehicles (Tesla owners need an adapter) with a dual port Level 2 station that provides up to 24 miles of charge per hour.
GMP and EVgo offer customers the option to pay as they go or sign up for various monthly charging memberships starting around $5.95 a month. Memberships are available for GMP customers at 1-877-494-3833 or www.greenmountainpower.com/evgo, but anyone can pay by credit card at the charging station.