Through Partners in Energy, Higher Emissions Communities (HECs) can receive free planning support to develop a customized approach to transportation electrification that reflects their unique characteristics and needs. Planning support can include the development of tools and resources to make electric vehicles more affordable and easier to access for community members, for example by:
- Identifying and recruiting a team of stakeholders who will lead the project for their community
- Understanding community needs, assets, and opportunities through data analysis and stakeholder engagement
- Organizing and facilitating engagement activities - such as focus groups, workshops, interviews, and open houses - that are accessible to all stakeholders
- Bringing in Xcel Energy program expertise and technical experts (e.g., curbside charging, fleet electrification)
- Building equity-focused strategies that will help the community transition to electric transportation options
- Drafting a strategic action plan
In addition to planning support, HECs are eligible for free support to help implement the solutions identified during the planning process. Examples of implementation support include:
- Securing HEC charging station rebates (see below section for details) in addition to other Xcel Energy charging infrastructure services.
- Identifying and stacking funding sources and pursuing funding opportunities
- Identifying ideal locations for community charging hubs
- Expanding electric carshare and rideshare options
- Electrifying public transit and school buses
- Electrifying neighborhood-serving refuse trucks
- Improving first- and last-mile transit programming
- Working with multifamily properties and workplaces to install charging equipment for residents, employees, and visitors
- Working with small businesses to install charging equipment for customers and employees
- Promoting awareness about rebates for new and pre-owned electric vehicles and Level 2 EV chargers
- Organizing ride-and-drives and other EV outreach and education events
- Connecting community leaders so they can network and share experiences
Customers who are already located with HECs can apply directly for rebates and do not have to go through the HEC qualification process. Additionally, customers who meet income qualification requirements are also eligible to receive rebates, regardless of whether they are within an HEC.
Charger Type |
HEC / income-qualified rebates |
Application form |
Community Charging Hub |
Up to $8,000 (up to $,2000 per port) when a customer installs a minimum of 4 L2 chargers and up to $31,200 per port for DC fast chargers (cannot exceed 100% of costs). |
Community Charging Hub Income-Qualified and HEC Rebate Application Form |
Multifamily Housing Charging |
Up to $800 per port for Level 2 chargers installed as part of the Assigned Parking program, or up to $2,200 per port for Level 2 chargers installed as part of the Shared Parking program. |
Multifamily Housing Charging Income-Qualified and HEC Rebate Application |
Small Business Charging |
Up to $2,000 per port for Level 2 chargers (max 3 ports per parcel). |
|
Fleet Charging |
Up tp $2,200 when installing a Level 2 chargers or $45,000 for a DC fast charger |
Fleet and Workplace, Income Qualified, and Higher Emissions Community Rebate Application |