Minnesota Power to donate vehicle charging stations to businesses

Minnesota Power will donate 20 electric vehicle charging stations to business customers, along with $1,500 to help cover up to 80% of the cost for each installation.

The company is asking commercial customers to apply to receive the charging stations as a part of its EnergyForward plan, which aims to increase the number of public charging stations in Northeastern Minnesota, according to a news release.

Minnesota Power will select recipients based on location and site suitability. To qualify, participants must:

• Be a Minnesota Power customer;

• Dedicate a minimum of two parking spaces to electric-vehicle charging;

• Have access to 240-volt electric service;

• Contract with an electrician and/or other contractors to install the equipment;

• Be within a quarter-mile of an area where people can spend time while charging their vehicles;

• Be close to retail, restaurants, parks or other amenities;

• Have dusk-to-dawn lighting;

• Be accessible to the public at all times;

• Agree to be responsible for electric usage and demand charges on accounts;

• Have snow and ice removal plans for year-round charger access;

• Agree to terms and conditions in a donation agreement.

Apply at mnpower.com/Environment/ElectricVehiclesServiceEquipment . The deadline is Nov. 1.