CONTACT:
Maddie Garbalagtys, Drive Clean Colorado
Maddie@drivecleanco.org | 920-296-5665
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Merit Electric Unveils Fort Collins EV Charger Supported by Charge Ahead Colorado Grant
Celebrating Milestones: Drive Clean Colorado, Efficiency Works, and Collaborators Commemorate Successful EV Charger Installation
Fort Collins, CO – May 10, 2024 – Merit Electric hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 10, in celebration of successful installation of their new electric vehicle (EV) charging station, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation in the community. Drive Clean Colorado, Efficiency Works, and other collaborators joined in attendance to commemorate this milestone.
The project was made possible through funding from Colorado Energy Office’s Charge Ahead Colorado grant, with support from Drive Clean Colorado’s ReCharge Coach in the region to ensure a successful charger installation. Additionally, this milestone installation represents the first charging station in the area to use the Efficiency Works Business incentive program to help offset the cost of infrastructure upgrades necessary to install the new chargers. The newly installed dual-port Level 2 charger will enhance accessibility to EV charging infrastructure in Fort Collins and contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the region.
“Eight years ago, Merit installed its first commercial EV charger in the Denver Tech Center. We now have residential and commercial charging installations throughout the Front Range and mountain communities,” said Ellison Bruce, CEO of Merit Electric. “Over the years, we’ve learned to bridge the knowledge gap between EV and electrical systems, as well as navigating grants and rebates for our customers. However, what was missing was our own firsthand experience in this realm. This single dual port charger is our first step in our journey to better serve our customers, our community, our employees and become a more sustainable company.”
In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, Merit Electric and DCC hosted an “EV 101” lunch & learn showcase, to promote EV use among employees and raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles. In part of their commitment to empower employees to make informed choices about their transportation options, Merit Electric has signed DCC’s workplace charging initiatives pledge, Watts@Work. Through the W@W pledge, Merit Electric commits to ensuring equitable distribution of EV charging access in workplaces across Colorado, further supporting the state’s transition to clean transportation solutions.
“We’re proud to support Merit Electric as they move forward with their latest endeavor – the installation of their new EV charger – from supporting their Charge Ahead Colorado application to collaborating through our workplace charging initiative, Watts@Work,” said Bonnie Trowbridge, Executive Director of Drive Clean Colorado. “This accomplishment not only highlights Merit Electric’s commitment to sustainability, but also serves as inspiration for other organizations looking to make a positive impact on Colorado’s future of clean transportation.”
The standard round of Charge Ahead Colorado funding is now open until June 14, 2024. Qualifying entities who are interested in applying for funding should contact their region’s ReCharge Coach for more information. The Efficiency Works Business public level 2 EV charging infrastructure incentives are available for eligible commercial customers. Learn more and apply here.
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About Drive Clean Colorado, a Clean Cities and Communities Coalition
Drive Clean Colorado (DCC), a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership, is a non-profit organization that delivers a variety of programs to accelerate the equitable adoption of clean transportation with the vision of cleaner air and economic growth for Colorado. DCC runs the Drive Electric Colorado initiative which is a clearinghouse for all things EV in Colorado, the Watts@Work program for workplace charging, the EV Safe Tech training project, and hosts four ReCharge coaches for the Colorado Energy Office to provide grant coaching and EV awareness outreach. Learn more at DriveCleanColorado.org.
About Efficiency Works
Efficiency Works unites the energy efficiency offerings of the northern Colorado utilities of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, Loveland Water and Power, and Platte River Power Authority. Efficiency Works offers a variety of products and services to help customers save energy, water and money.
About Merit Electric
Established in 1984, Merit Electric is a full service electrical contractor specializing in design-build electrical construction and electrical maintenance services. Merit drives down costs with up-front decision support and well-informed decisions during the budgeting and design process. Offering a variety of services, Merit Electric’s professional construction team will ensure your electrical system build is on time and within budget.
