Okotoks will start collecting a fee from drivers who charge up at the Town’s electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The Town approved its rates and fees bylaw, setting charges for Town-provided services, during its 2024 budget meeting on Nov. 27.
The new bylaw lists a rate of $2 per hour for using Level 2 charging stations and $22.20 per hour for faster Level 3 chargers, although the Town doesn't currently operate any of the faster chargers.
The new fees could kick in as early as Jan. 1.
During the meeting, CAO Elaine Vincent explained that not all EV chargers will be able to collect payment right away.
Chargers at the Arts & Learning Campus can be set up to take payments, but that’s not possible with other chargers operated by the Town, Vincent said.
Those at the Municipal Centre have been in place for about six years, and Vincent said that when it is time to replace them, and other chargers at the Operations Centre and Emergency Services building, newer models will be used that accept payments.
The Town said last year that it spends a total of about $600 annually on electricity for the chargers at the Arts & Learning Campus and Municipal Centre.
