Resources
Communities in Charge is designed to support potential applicants seeking to install Level 2 EV charging stations and provide incentives towards “Ready to Go” projects that demonstrate the highest level of readiness. To support applicants in their journey, the Project Team has created various technical assistance assets, educational resources, workshops, and guided overviews. Potential applicants may find resources below to suit a broad variety of needs.
What stage of readiness are you in?
Ready to Get Started
Just getting started with EV charging? For those early in their journey who may never have undertaken such a project, the resources below may help as you explore the exciting landscape of EV charging infrastructure and the benefits it may bring to you and your community.
- Get To Know Key Partners – Begin discussing ideas and details of your project with key stakeholders such as your utility, permitting authority, contractor, or facilities manager, and especially property owner.
- Get To Know Your Site – Explore what the energy demand for charging may be at your site, the periods of time users may wish to charge, and the number of chargers which best suit your current (and future) needs.
- Get To Know Your Budget – California has numerous funding opportunities for EV chargers. While some restrictions apply for participation, please see Communities in Charge Implementation Manual for more details.
Ready to Plan
Compiling documents, making phone calls, and coordinating with agencies? For those familiar with the opportunities and challenges of their charging site but who may still need support with getting organized, the resources below will support your journey as you review site plans, pick out charging equipment, and pursue a permit for your site.
- Engage With Key Partners – Coordinate early with your utility and pursue development of site plans, construction drawings, and (if required) a final utility design.
- Map Out Your Site – Facilities/maintenance personnel or an electrician should gather information on your site’s existing electrical system and provide it to the local utility company for next steps.
- Prepare Your Building Permit – Communicate with local permitting jurisdictions (city and/or county) to ensure application compliance with building codes, electrical, accessibility, any health and safety requirements, etc.
- Select a Contractor – Perform any necessary due diligence in selecting a licensed contractor and take into consideration that they must be EVITP certified so their labor costs can be considered eligible.
Ready to Go
Is your site ‘shovel ready’? For the most prepared of applicants who have secured a final site plan and an issued building permit, there still are considerations to bear in mind and the resources below may support an even smoother experience in bringing your EV charging project to live.
- Execute Documents with Key Partners – Finalize your Site Verification Form with property owners and ensure a mutual understanding of operations and maintenance has been reached.
- Order Chargers – Coordinate with your chosen contractor or engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm to decide which chargers are best suited for your site. Make sure to place the order with your Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) retailer as soon as possible, as supply chain constraints may cause delays.
- Secure Your Building Permit – Obtain final site plans, utility design (if required), and secure an issued building permit with all required signatures prior to breaking ground.
