The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced on Thursday that Sioux Valley Energy, along with five other electric utilities, will receive rebate funds from the Volkswagen (VW) Mitigation Trust to help purchase and install both DC fast charging and level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the state. The charging stations will be located along the I-29 and I-90 corridors. West River Electric Association, West Central Electric Cooperative, Watertown Municipal Utilities, Brookings Municipal Utilities, and NorthWestern Energy will also receive rebates.
“This is a very exciting time for EVs in South Dakota. Sioux Valley Energy recognizes the importance of developing fast charging infrastructure throughout the state which is why we reached out to other utilities beyond electric cooperatives, such as investor-owned utilities and municipals, to put together a coalition. This alliance of electric utilities will begin the process of building an EV charging network along I-29 and I-90,” said Ben Pierson, Sioux Valley Energy Manager of Beneficial Electrification.
According to the SD DENR, “of the $8,125,000 allotted to the state of South Dakota, currently, $406,250 can be used for EVCS (EV Charging Station) rebates. The Department will use VW funds from Category 9 (Light duty Zero Emissions Vehicle supply equipment) as rebates for the program. The program provides rebates to help purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations. The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources administers the programs in South Dakota. The rebate will be up to 80 percent of the charging station project.”
EVCS rebates for the following locations were awarded to:
- Sioux Valley Energy – Sioux Falls – $58,035
- West River Electric Association – Wall – $58,035
- West Central Electric Cooperative – Murdo – $58,035
- Brookings Municipal Utilities – Brookings – $58,035
- Watertown Municipal Utilities – Watertown – $58,035
- NorthWestern Energy – Mitchell – $58,035
- NorthWestern Energy – Chamberlain – $58,035
