Electric vehicle

The rates will apply to Mainers charging electric vehicles, using heat pumps, or charging batteries at off-peak hours.

South Portland has passed a new rule requiring developers to consider electric vehicle charging infrastructure when building new parking areas. The new ordinance applies to new or reconstructed parking lots with at least five parking spaces.

The proposed ordinance would apply to any new or reconstructed parking lots and garages with five or more new spaces. For lodging facilities, employee parking, and large housing developments, at least 10% of spaces would need EV chargers.

Maine schools have applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for funds to buy electric buses. And the EPA announced on Thursday that it is doubling its Clean School Bus Program funding for this year, to nearly $1 billion.

Eligible customers would contact their utility to request the lower rates. The rates will apply to residential, commercial, and large business customers. Some of the rates could take effect as soon as October.

Maine is among the first group of 35 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with approved plans. The states will be eligible for more than $900 million in funding over the next two years to help build EV chargers along approximately 53,000 miles of highway across the country.

In this week’s Pulse: Democrats find hope in Kansas, the Reproductive Freedom For All Act, Green Party co-founder dies, and leftovers from the notebook.

Maine hopes to submit a final plan for using electric vehicle charging funds by July 1, with the goal of getting federal approval by September.

With gas prices hovering at $4.00 or more per gallon across Maine, car dealerships are reporting more consumer interest in electric vehicles and hybrids. But an already limited supply of vehicles is making it hard to meet that demand.