Ivan Radic / CC
Lanark County is rethinking plans to install two fast electric vehicle chargers at the county administration building in Perth, after newly identified Hydro One fees significantly increased projected operating costs.
The initiative, first approved last February, aimed to support growing electric vehicle use by installing two publicly accessible 100-kilowatt Level 3 chargers capable of powering two vehicles at once (50 kW each). The project was backed by the province’s EV ChargeON program, which would cover 75% of capital costs up to $150,000.
The county had budgeted $52,000 toward installation, and have already spent $7,500 on the project to date.
County staff recently learned through the Township of North Frontenac, which also received grant funding, that Hydro One applies substantial demand charges once power use exceeds 50 kW. Because each charger can peak at 100 kW, the extra fees would apply every month, even if chargers are rarely used.
The new estimated monthly cost is $1,290, a figure Councillor Ed McPherson can’t get behind.
Several councillors also questioned whether the administration building was the best location for a public charging site, including Andrew Tennant.
EV ChargeON funding rules require public access for at least five years, and the chargers would need to be installed by November 2026.
Staff noted that Hydro One and the Ontario Energy Board are exploring future EV charging rate reductions, and municipalities are being encouraged to advocate for change.
Council has suspended the project while staff review how the climate budget could be better used including exploring different charger types or locations, monitoring potential hydro rate changes and evaluating other green initiatives that may offer greater benefit.
Story by Grant Deme