Clinton looks at public EV chargers

By Randy Bell

     Electric vehicle drivers could soon be able to charge up while eating, shopping and visiting in a few locations around Clinton. Through a partnership spearheaded by Entergy Mississippi and a non-profit organization, the chargers would be installed at no cost to the City at the Olde Towne Depot and the Clinton Visitor Center.

     “We’ve always looked for things that make us a little different from everybody else,” says Mayor Phil Fisher. “So, I think this is going to be another one of those things.”

     The project would require the approval of the Board of Aldermen.

     Entergy’s Tison Reno, who serves as the company’s manager of product and services deployment, made a presentation about the chargers at a Board work session on March 31.

     “Entergy Mississippi made a donation to the non-profit Adopt a Charger to help install Level 2 EV chargers within our service territory,” Reno said. “As more EVs come onto Mississippi roadways, additional charging infrastructure is needed to power these vehicles.”

     According to its website, Adopt a Charger “accelerates the widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles through the proliferation of public, fee-free electric car chargers which are ‘adopted’ by sponsors.”

     This would give the city something it doesn’t have.

     “These chargers will be the first EV chargers available to the public in Clinton,” Reno said. The project has already seen the installation of chargers at Hinds Community College in Raymond, the Mississippi Children’s Museum and in downtown Jackson.

     According to Reno, “Additional cities and towns in Entergy Mississippi’s service territory are under consideration.” And in Clinton, “other areas around the city may be considered, as funds allow,” he said.

     Ward 4 Alderman Chip Wilbanks believes the initial locations make sense.

     “The Depot and the Visitor Center are two good places to start,” said Wilbanks, and “with Entergy picking up the tab, the project is ‘a no-brainer.’”

     Both Clinton locations would have two chargers, each with two plugs, meaning that four EVs could be hooked up at a time at each site. While these wouldn’t be the direct current fast chargers that EV owners might prefer, Reno said, in many ways, they’re more practical.

     “Level 2 chargers can provide a charge for vehicles while drivers spend a few hours in an area visiting local restaurants, shopping or [enjoying] attractions. The Level 2 chargers fit into smaller areas and can be powered by 240-volt service, similar to an electric clothes dryer in a home. This lower level of power minimizes the amount of distribution equipment required to power the chargers.”

     While the cost of the chargers and their installation would be covered, someone still has to pay for the electricity.

     Reno explained it this way: “Any site host for Adopt a Charger donated chargers has the option to donate electricity for drivers visiting their area or collect revenue from electricity sales to cover the cost of electricity.”

     Site design for the charger locations is underway and, once completed, will be presented to the City for the Board’s approval prior to the start of construction.