Broomfield proposes charging fees and steep post-charge dwell penalties to free up public EV chargers

City staff proposed a new fee structure for 12 city-owned Level 2 EV chargers across Broomfield to address heavy usage and long post‑charge dwell times.

Public Works Director Mr. Gordon said the current free model has produced strong demand—1,641 unique users and 11,378 charging sessions in a 12-month period—but vehicles often remain in stalls after charging, blocking access. “Vehicles are remaining parked in the charging stalls for an average post-charge dwell time of 6.3 hours,” Gordon said, noting a single observed maximum dwell of 178 hours.

To encourage turnover and cover costs, staff recommended a dual time-of-use energy rate (15¢ per kWh during facility business hours; 25¢ per kWh after hours) combined with a dwell fee of 40¢ per minute beginning 30 minutes after charging completes. Staff estimated annual program operating costs of about $58,000 and projected revenue of roughly $71,735 under model 1 (exclusive of additional dwell fee revenue), with 80% covering direct annual costs and the remainder placed in a dedicated fund for capital replacements and expansion.

Council members raised practical questions: whether rates should align with utility on‑peak periods to avoid encouraging charging during times when the grid is dirtiest; whether dwell penalties should start lower and be adjusted over time; and whether signage, app notification and public notice would be phased in before fees start. Staff said the charge‑point vendor’s app will display rates and session status and a communication plan would precede implementation.

Next steps: staff will refine rate-hour alignment with utilities, work with the vendor on technical settings (throttling, notifications), coordinate communications and return with proposed municipal code amendments for council consideration.