Council authorizes EV charger construction contract and updates Idaho Falls Power service policy

The city council on March 12 approved a construction contract for four city electric vehicle charging stations and adopted a resolution updating Idaho Falls Power's service policy.

Idaho Falls staff said the charging-project funding includes a federal grant for level-2 chargers and that the city previously purchased a charger as part of an earlier phase. Council approved Alpine Construction Management plus a 10% contingency for a not-to-exceed amount of $1,951,430.80 and authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the agreement.

Separately, Idaho Falls Power staff presented a resolution amending the utility's customer and construction specifications to reflect recent agreements and a PUC filing related to a generation agreement. Council approved the resolution and authorized execution of required documents.

Council members asked clarifying questions about contract add-alternates and whether certain design items (for example, a water meter or landscaping) affect charger operation; staff said the alternates relate to site finishes and do not affect electrical functionality. The motions carried by roll call vote.