13°
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. Village trustees gave the New York Power Authority the go-ahead to pursue bids for an eight-spot solar-powered charging station for electric cars at the Tarrytown Train Station.
Tarrytown has not yet committed to installing the charging station, which is an initiative the New York Power Authority wants to undertake in communities throughout the state. Final approval for the project would come after the bidding process is completed.
Kerry-Jane King said the charging station would help ease the demand for electricity during peak times. King was one of two New York Power Authority representatives at Wednesdays Board of Trustees work session.
Most car owners charge their cars at night during off hours, King said. The charging station would allow cars to plug-in during the day without adding to the electrical grid.
The New York Power Authority will assume the costs of putting the project out for bid, as well as the design and installation of the charging station. Tarrytown would be required to maintain the station for five years.
Nothing will be built without your approval, King told trustees.
John Markowitz, another representative from the New York Power Authority, said the only costs the village might incur would be electric costs, in the unlikely event that the cars were absorbing more electricity than the solar panels generated. Tarrytown would be credited for the extra electricity on its bill.
Markowitz said bid solicitations would be sent out asking for companies to include a five-year service plan.
Trustees expressed concerns about the charging station, wondering if cars could overcharge or if residents would use the station overnight instead of plugging in at their house.
Markowitz and King told trustees that the cars couldnt overcharge because the charging system automatically shuts off when charged completely. The village could also request a timing system that would shut off power at the charging station during certain hours.
Markowitz said the New York Power Authority doesnt expect the village to reserve spaces for electric cars and it would be able to allow gasoline-powered cars to park in those spots.
Would you find the proposed charging stations useful? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenburgh and receive free news updates.
