Expanding Public Charging

The electric system was evaluated during project design, and the grant funding included the necessary electric infrastructure upgrades to support the new charging stations. These upgrades ensure the chargers can be integrated into the existing system without negatively affecting grid reliability or service to other customers.

In addition, the project includes electrical infrastructure that can support future growth. By installing this infrastructure now, Idaho Falls Power may be able to leverage portions of it for future system improvements or expansion projects, reducing the need for additional construction later.

These charging stations are intended to complement the existing charging network in Idaho Falls by providing additional locations and charging options for residents and visitors.

Many existing public chargers are located at businesses, dealerships, or other commercial locations. The new charging sites were selected on City-owned properties, including areas near parks and the River Walk, providing drivers with convenient places to spend time in the community while their vehicles charge.

The project also adds a combination of DC fast chargers for drivers who need a quick charge and Level 2 chargers for longer stays, such as attending community events, visiting nearby attractions, or spending time in the area. Together, these options help expand access to reliable EV charging throughout Idaho Falls.

The charging sites are designed to benefit both visitors and the local community. EV charging stations can help support the local economy by encouraging travelers to spend time and money in Idaho Falls while their vehicles charge. Drivers often use charging stops to visit nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and other local businesses, increasing economic activity in the surrounding area.

The project also includes Level 2 charging stations that provide convenient destination charging for Idaho Falls residents attending downtown events, visiting parks, or spending time at nearby businesses and attractions. These stations allow drivers to charge while they are already parked, making it easier to participate in community activities without worrying about vehicle range.

The project includes both DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers, each designed for different charging needs.

The DC fast chargers use intelligent power sharing to dynamically allocate available power between vehicles, helping maximize charging efficiency. Each site has up to 600 kW of available charging capacity that can be distributed based on the needs of the vehicles connected. If only one compatible vehicle is charging, it may receive a larger share of the available power.

The Level 2 chargers provide up to approximately 18 kW of charging power. While they charge more slowly than the DC fast chargers, they are ideal for destination charging, allowing drivers to charge while attending events, shopping, dining, or spending time at nearby attractions.

Actual charging speed depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s maximum charging capability, battery size, battery temperature, state of charge, and the number of vehicles charging at the same time.

Drivers will be charged based on the amount of energy they receive (kilowatt-hours, or kWh). Charging prices will be reviewed periodically to help recover the costs of operating and maintaining the charging network while remaining fair and competitive.

The project is funded through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program under the Corridor Grant Program. The federal government funded 80% of eligible project costs, while Idaho Falls Power contributed the remaining 20% as the required local cost share.

Idaho Falls Power intends to recover its local investment over time through charging revenue generated by the stations. While the timing will depend on charger utilization and operating costs, the goal is for charging revenue to offset the utility's initial cost share over the life of the project.

The charging locations were selected through a combination of factors, including availability of City-owned property, community access, existing electrical infrastructure, and the ability to provide convenient charging options throughout Idaho Falls.

The goal was to strategically place charging stations in locations that are accessible to residents and visitors, support local businesses and community destinations, and help fill gaps in the existing EV charging network. City-owned properties were prioritized where possible because they provide long-term stability for the charging sites and help maximize the impact of grant funding.

Each site was also evaluated for factors such as electrical capacity, site layout, safety, ADA accessibility, and the ability to support reliable public charging operations.

Idaho Falls Power will own and operate the charging stations. The stations will be monitored through the charging network platform to help track performance, availability, and any service needs. Idaho Falls Power will coordinate maintenance and repairs to keep the stations operating reliably, utilizing qualified technicians and service providers as needed.

By keeping ownership and oversight local, Idaho Falls Power can better support the reliability of the charging network while building experience with emerging electric transportation technologies.

Idaho Falls has seen significant growth in EV adoption in recent years. Idaho Falls Power has monitored EV registration trends in Bonneville County and has observed a steady increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road.

Tourism is also an important part of our local economy, and many surrounding states have higher EV adoption rates than Idaho. Idaho Falls serves as a key stop for travelers heading toward destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson, Wyoming, creating a need for reliable charging infrastructure along these travel routes.

In addition, Idaho Falls Power has monitored energy usage at existing EV charging stations and has observed substantial growth in charging activity over the past several years. These trends indicate increasing demand for convenient, reliable charging options in our community.

As the local electric utility, Idaho Falls Power has a responsibility to plan for and support the changing needs of our community’s energy system. The growth of electric vehicles represents a significant change in how transportation energy is delivered, and investing in charging infrastructure helps ensure our electric system is prepared for the future.

This project was made possible through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, which is specifically designed to support public charging infrastructure in areas where private investment alone has not been sufficient. The goal of the program is not to compete with private businesses, but to help establish a reliable charging network that benefits residents, visitors, and the broader community.

By participating in this program, Idaho Falls Power is helping address infrastructure needs, support local economic activity, and gain valuable experience managing new electric loads as EV adoption continues to grow.

Yes. Drivers will pay to use the chargers. Pricing will be monitored and adjusted over time to help recover the costs of operating, maintaining, and replacing the charging equipment while minimizing the impact on Idaho Falls Power customers who do not use the stations.

For the first five years after the charging stations are commissioned, the grant requires that any revenue generated remain within the EV charging program. During this period, revenue may only be used for eligible expenses, such as operating and maintaining the charging stations and making improvements to the charging sites.