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Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate
EV charging infrastructure to support workers, multi-dwelling unit residents, schools, fleets, and retail.
CMLP wants to help you offer electric vehicle charging at workplaces, apartments, condominiums, schools, shops and more. Concord businesses and multi-unit dwelling properties can get a rebate of up to $6,000 for the installation of a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Rebates are available for:
- Public charging stations on private property and
- Private charging stations on private property.
CMLP’s commercial EV charging station rebate is in addition to grant funds available from the state through MassEVIP Public Access Charging Incentives, Multi-Unit Dwelling & Educational Campus Charging Incentives or Workplace & Fleet Charging Incentives. The level of CMLP funding is designed, when combined with a MassEVIP rebate, to cover a substantial portion of the eligible costs of installing a typical $30,000 dual port public charging station. The commercial EV charging station rebate applicant is responsible for covering non-eligible costs such as electricity, software and warranty subscriptions, maintenance and permitting.
In order to be eligible for a rebate, you must request rebate pre-approval and receive a rebate award letter from CMLP prior to installation. See the section below entitled, “How to Request Rebate Pre-Approval Before Installation.”
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There are two incentive categories that make up CMLP’s rebate. The Charging Equipment Incentive helps pay for the hardware. The Installation Incentive helps pay for the labor needed to install the hardware. Each incentive type has a dollar limit. The sum of payments under the two incentives make up the total rebate amount.
The rebate amount differs based on who will be allowed to use the charging station(s.) Public charging stations are for use by the general public. Examples include commercial parking areas that may be used by restaurant or retail store customers. To be eligible for the public charging station rebate, stations must be accessible to the general public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Private charging stations are for use by employees, residents, customers, students, or for charging fleet vehicles. Examples include charging stations at commercially owned employee parking spaces, at parking spaces for residents of multi-dwelling unit properties, or charging stations for hotel guests or commercial fleet vehicles. These stations may or may not be publicly accessible, according to the owner’s discretion. For example, a commercial property owner may install charging primarily for use by its commercial tenants, and also may decide that on certain days or during certain hours, the station is also accessible to the public. This can help ensure the station gets increased usage while still allowing the station owner to retain control over the accessibility of the station in a way that best serves their needs.
Rebate Amount for Charging Stations Incentive Type Public Charging Stations Private Charging Stations Charging Equipment Incentive
The charging station must be Level 2 (208 to 240 volt), dual port (or two single port), 13 amp or above per port, commercial-grade and be Network Enabled** The incentive covers the EVSE console, cable and connector, cable management, mounting (either pedestal or wall), separate payment module and shipping/freight.Up to $3,000 Up to $2,250 Installation Incentive
Includes electrical make ready and branch wiring; labor to bring station to code; electrical materials: conduit / fittings / wire / electrical equipment; site work; signage and painting.Up to $3,000 Up to $2,250 **Network Enabled means the charging station has the capability to connect to the Internet and/or private network and be able to transmit and receive information.
The CMLP awarded sum, combined with the MassEVIP grant, must not exceed the total eligible project costs. The CMLP award will equal the lesser of the following two amounts:
- eligible charging equipment costs up to $3,000 per public station/$2,250 per private station plus eligible installation costs up to $3,000 per public station/$2,250 per private station, or
- the total eligible project cost less the MassEVIP grant amount.
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- The Commercial EV Charging Station rebate is available to:
- Fleets
- Multi-dwelling unit properties with 2 or more residential units
- Educational campuses
- Workplaces with 2 or more employees
- Business establishments serving the public
Note that CMLP has chosen to make some eligibility criteria broader than the criteria used by the MassEVIP program, in order to serve more properties.
- Applicants must have an active commercial electric account with CMLP. Multi-dwelling unit properties with common area electric accounts classified as residential accounts in CMLP’s billing system may be eligible for Commercial EV Charging Station Rebates at CMLP’s discretion.
- Applicants are eligible to receive a rebate for one dual or two single port charging station(s) per service address. At its discretion, CMLP reserves the right to provide an applicant with rebates for more than one charging station (or pair of single port stations) if the applicant provides compelling evidence that more than one is needed.
- Eligible and Non-Eligible Costs:
Eligible Costs Non-Eligible Costs For Charging Equipment Incentive Land/parking space purchase or lease A console wired into the electrical supply Software subscription and warranty A cable and connector to plug into the EV Taxes Cable management strategy (e.g., coil, retractable, etc.) Internet connection or cell signal Mounting, either pedestal or wall. Pedestal: hard-wired to a permanent pole or box. Wall: hard-wired to a wall and typically includes a mounting plate. Planning or permitting for the project Separate payment module Bollards, curbs, wheel stops, setbacks, bumper guards Shipping/Freight for eligible charging equipment costs Electricity consumption, demand and meter charges For Installation Incentive Preventative and corrective maintenance on EV charging station Customer electrical infrastructure: electrical make ready and branch wiring Upgrading or adding new utility electric supply equipment, including 2nd transformer or line extensions if needed.[1] Labor to bring stations to electrical code Shipping/Freight for non-eligible costs Electrical materials: conduit, fittings, wire, electrical equipment Others as determined by CMLP Construction costs related to installation (including ADA EV parking space if required by MassEVIP) Signage and pavement painting Shipping/freight for eligible installation costs. [1] CMLP typically pays for transformer upgrades. However, if a new transformer or new primary or secondary service cable were needed, this is typically the customer’s responsibility. Factors that influence whether or not a new transformer is needed include whether the existing transformer pad can accommodate more conduit or a larger transformer.
- Note that if charging equipment costs and installation costs are not itemized separately on the project cost proposal and invoice, the rebate may be reduced up to 50%.
- In order to be eligible for a rebate, you must request rebate pre-approval and receive a rebate award letter from CMLP prior to installation. See section below entitled, "How to Request Rebate Pre-Approval Before Installation."
- Rebate payment requests must be received by CMLP within 90 days of the date on which CMLP has been able to verify that the station is operational.
- The Commercial EV Charging Station rebate is available to:
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- Applicant will apply for all necessary permits and approvals.
- Applicant must sign the Commercial Charging Station Data Release Authorization, agreeing to provide or authorize their EV charging data to be provided to CMLP at no cost for three years after the rebate is received. Applicant must grant data viewer account access to CMLP staff.
- The charging station(s) will be installed on a new, separate meter. The new meter must be connected line-side to CMLP’s distribution system, meaning that the new meter cannot be sub-metered to the customer’s existing meter on the load side. Electricians wishing to consult with CMLP regarding the point of utility connection and/or meter location for the EV charging station should contact CMLP’s Engineering Division at cmlpengineering@concordma.gov or 978-318-3116.
- The charging station owner will pay CMLP for the electricity recorded on the new meter pursuant to the G-4 General Service - Electric Vehicle Charging tariff.
- The charging station owner will determine what to charge for use of the charging stations; however, CMLP must approve the applicant’s pricing policy, as well as usage accessibility and compliance enforcement plans. CMLP’s Commercial EV Specialists can advise on best practices. Any changes to the usage policy, pricing or compliance enforcement plans must be approved by CMLP for three years after the rebate is received.
- The station must be installed at or near dedicated parking space(s) with appropriate signage to indicate that it is for EV charging only.
- Any electrical work needed to install a charging system must be done by a licensed electrician under an electrical permit issued by the Town and must pass inspection by the Town’s Electrical Inspector.
- Applicants who previously received a commercial charging station rebate are eligible to receive subsequent rebates for additional stations if existing charging station data show greater than 50% utilization on a 24/7 basis. Station owners are responsible for driving up usage of the station outside of business hours. For example, they may promote usage of the station to nearby multi-dwelling unit (MDU) property residents who do not have on-site charging facilities.
- In order to be eligible for a rebate, applicants must request rebate pre-approval and receive a rebate award letter from CMLP prior to installation. See the section below entitled, “How to Request Rebate Pre-Approval Before Installation.”
- The charging station must be installed and operational within 6 months of the award letter issue date. Extensions for extenuating circumstances will be considered.
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In order to be eligible for a rebate, you must request rebate pre-approval and receive an award letter from CMLP prior to installation.
Step 1: We strongly suggest that you work with our Commercial EV Program Specialists to develop site-specific, best practice plans for charging station usage policies and fees. They can also help you develop electrical service and charging station hardware and software options that can be used in soliciting quotes from electricians.* The EV Specialist will provide you with a 1-page recommendations report. Request a consultation with a Commercial EV Program Specialist here or by calling 833-443-8363. The EV Specialist Service is funded by CMLP, is offered at no cost to you, and provides objective advice that is technology agnostic and brand neutral.
*Electricians wishing to consult with CMLP regarding the point of utility connection and/or meter location for the charging station should contact CMLP’s Engineering Division at cmlpengineering@concordma.gov or 978-318-3116. The electrician should provide the charging station specifications to CMLP Engineering at that time.
Step 2: Assemble the following information and materials to be ready to complete the rebate pre-approval request.
- an itemized project cost proposal. Note that if charging equipment costs and installation costs are not itemized separately on the proposal, the rebate amount that CMLP pre-approves for the project may be reduced by up to 50%.
- the charging station specifications
- details of the proposed pricing and usage policy for the charging station
- a signed Commercial Charging Station Data Release Authorization.
Step 3: Click the button below to request rebate pre-approval.
Step 4: Upon review of the pre-approval request, CMLP will either:
- issue an award letter stating the rebate amount that has been reserved for the project.
- notify the applicant of modifications that CMLP will require before pre-approving a rebate. If modifications are required, applicants have the option of adopting the changes and re-submitting a pre-approval request.
Step 5: Proceed with the charging station installation once you have received a rebate award letter from CMLP.
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In order to be eligible to receive a rebate, you must have requested rebate pre-approval and received an award letter from CMLP prior to installation.
Step 1: Once the installation is complete, your electrician must schedule an inspection by the Concord Building Department’s electrical inspector. Contact information and hours for the Building Department are here. Once the installation passes inspection, CMLP will be notified by the Building Department, and will install a meter to measure the electricity used by the charging station.
Step 2: Provide CMLP with the ability to verify that the charging station is operational by granting charging station data viewer account access to CMLP staff. Email an invitation to set up account access to CMLP's Energy Conservation Coordinator, Jan Aceti, at jaceti@concordma.gov. Operational status is confirmed if CMLP is able to generate a report showing that at least one charging session has occurred. Alternatively, CMLP reserves the right to verify operational status by initiating a charging session onsite at the station. CMLP will notify you by email of the date on which it verified that the station is operational.
Step 3: Assemble the following information and documentation to be ready to complete the rebate payment request:
- The project number on the rebate award letter that you received from CMLP prior to installation.
- The operational status verification date emailed to you by CMLP.
- If MassEVIP is an additional funding source for the project, the estimated MassEVIP grant amount for which the project is eligible or the actual MassEVIP award letter. Note: Our Commercial EV Specialists can help you estimate your MassEVIP grant eligibility and apply for a MassEVIP grant from the state to supplement the charging station rebate provided by CMLP. Request a consultation with a Commercial EV Program Specialist here or by calling 833-443-8363. EV Specialist services are supported by CMLP funds and are available at no cost to you.
- Photo(s) of the installed EV charging station(s). Photos should clearly show parking spaces (including ADA accessible EV parking space if required by MassEVIP) and EV designated signage.
- Itemized invoices and/or receipts for charging equipment and/or installation work. Note that if charging equipment costs and installation costs are not itemized separately on these documents, the rebate amount that CMLP pays for the project may be reduced by up to 50%.
- IRS W-9 form (only for CMLP commercial customers requesting a rebate of $600 or more in the form of a check)
Step 4: Click the button below to complete the rebate payment request and upload supporting documentation. Rebate payment requests must be received by CMLP within 90 days of the date on which CMLP has been able to verify that the station is operational.
Notes:
- Depending on actual project costs and the estimated or actual MassEVIP grant amounts received by the applicant, the CMLP rebate amount paid may differ from the CMLP pre-approved rebate amount.
- A rebate cannot be paid until a project has passed a Concord Building Department electrical inspection. Inspection approval is subject to verification by CMLP.
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- Rebates will not be issued until projects have passed the Concord Building Department's electrical inspection. Contact information and hours for the Building Department are here.
- Any rebate of $750 or less is issued as a credit on your electric bill.
- Any customer in good standing may choose to receive a rebate over $750 as either a bill credit or a check from the Town. Indicate your preference on your rebate payment request.
- If a customer requesting a check has been in arrears frequently in the past two years, CMLP may apply all or part of the rebate as a bill credit rather than as a check.
- A rebate check will arrive in 4 – 6 weeks after rebate payment request approval.
- Commercial entities receiving checks ≥$600 will get a 1099 from Town for the relevant tax year, if required by tax code.
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What does it cost to install a typical commercial-grade, Network Enabled dual port Level 2 charging station?
The cost to install a charging station can vary considerably depending on a customer’s site layout and existing electrical infrastructure. Here is a sample cost, for demonstration purposes only, of installing a pedestal mounted, dual port Level 2 charging station (~7 kW x 2) with typically preferred site work, software and support:Itemized Estimate Example* Net Project Cost Example** Rebate amounts are less than $3,000 because CMLP + MassEVIP rebates cannot exceed total eligible costs.
*Estimate for demonstration purposes only; project costs vary from site to site
Do I apply for the MassEVIP or CMLP rebate first?
CMLP recommends that customers apply for CMLP’s rebate first, so that they can report the most accurate CMLP rebate amount to MassEVIP. Customers may apply for CMLP’s rebate and the MassEVIP grant simultaneously. All applicants risk a possible reduction of CMLP’s rebate amount upon reconciliation to ensure that the awarded sum, combined with the MassEVIP grant, does not exceed the total eligible project cost.I’m a small commercial customer who doesn’t need and can’t afford a commercial grade charging station. Can I get a rebate for installing a residential grade charging station on my commercial property?
Contact the Commercial EV Program Specialist Service here or by calling 833-443-8363 to discuss your project to see what incentives it may qualify for.Why is the rebate lower for private charging stations versus public charging stations?
The rebate offered is lower for private stations because the owner can exclude the public from using the station, thereby offering less overall benefit. MassEVIP provides a 60% rebate for private stations instead of 80%, which is a 25% reduction. CMLP follows suit by reducing its public charging rebate amount by 25% (i.e. the private station rebate is 75% of the public station rate.)If the charging station owner determines what to charge users of the charging stations, why must CMLP approve the owner’s pricing policy, usage accessibility and compliance enforcement plan?
The purpose of agreed-upon pricing and usage policies is to minimize peak demand, thus keeping costs down for charging station owners and users. The purpose of collecting data is to conduct research on collective EV charging patterns and their effect on the CMLP distribution system. By studying this information and incentivizing certain pricing policies for charging, CMLP seeks to refine the G-4 General Service - Electric Vehicle Charging demand fee and volumetric rates, avoid adverse economic impacts during New England peak period events, prevent overloading and damage to CMLP’s distribution equipment during local peaks while capturing the benefits that increasing EV charging and usage offers.If my rebate is more than $750 and I prefer to receive a check from the Town rather than a credit on my electric bill, how do I request a check?
The Commercial EV Charging Rebate Payment Request Form provides an option to request a check. Note that commercial customers requesting a check must upload a copy of their company’s IRS W-9 form with their rebate payment request, and will get a 1099 from Town for the relevant tax year if required by tax code. If a customer’s account is not in good standing, CMLP reserves the right to provide a rebate fully or partially as a bill credit rather than as a check.How does the G-4 General Service Electric Charging Tariff compare to what I’m paying for electricity for other uses?
The rate you pay for electricity for non-charging uses depends on whether you are a Small, Medium or Large General Service customer. The table below displays the rates for each of those categories, as well as for the General Service Electric Vehicle Charging Rate. Look for the meter charge on your electric bill if you are unsure which rate category applies to you for uses other than vehicle charging.
We are not sure what EV charging station equipment options are available that would meet our needs. Can CMLP advise us?
Yes, CMLP’s EV Specialist Team can help you evaluate your EV charging station equipment needs, installation and administrative challenges, understand product options, and understand the steps to procure equipment and installation services. The EV Specialist Team is funded by CMLP, is offered at no cost to you, and provides objective advice that is technology agnostic and brand neutral. You can reach our EV Specialists by requesting a consultation here or by calling 833-443-8363.Whom can I contact if I have questions about the Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate Program?
Contact Jan Aceti, CMLP’s Energy Conservation Coordinator, at jaceti@concordma.gov or 978-318-3151.