Linwood sets 39¢ electricity fee for new EV charging stations

The Lynnwood City Council held a work session on July 7, 2025, focusing on the city's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure program and proposed public charging fees. The session featured a briefing from Marcy McGuire, the Public Works Deputy Director, who provided an overview of the new charging stations installed at the city campus.

McGuire reported that three new charging stations, equipped with six charging ports, have been operational since May, resulting in over 1,300 charging sessions and approximately 6,500 kilowatt hours of electricity consumed. The installation was primarily funded through grants, with additional efforts made to reduce costs through partnerships with local utilities.

The presentation highlighted the growing usage of the charging stations, with an average of 30 sessions per day. McGuire noted that the stations are well-utilized, dispelling initial concerns about their adoption. The charging stations are designed for a maximum two-hour parking limit, with an average usage time of about 45 minutes.

A key agenda item was the proposal to establish a charging fee of 39 cents per kilowatt hour. This fee aims to cover ongoing operational costs, maintenance, and future replacement of the charging stations, which are expected to last between seven to ten years. McGuire emphasized that the fee structure was developed after reviewing rates charged by other municipalities and private entities in the region.

Council members engaged in discussions regarding the rationale behind the charging fees, with questions raised about the initial decision-making process and community input. McGuire clarified that the plan was always to implement a fee to avoid potential issues related to the gifting of public funds. The council also discussed the importance of setting aside surplus funds for future maintenance and replacement of the infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting underscored Lynnwood's commitment to expanding its EV infrastructure while ensuring the sustainability of the program through appropriate fee structures. The council plans to revisit the proposed ordinance for adoption in the following week, marking a significant step in the city's transition to electric vehicle support.