Vendor urges Norfolk County to renew zero-cost level 2 EV charging plan; commissioners ask for written proposal

Matt Tuttleman, a representative working with EVSE Solutions, told Norfolk County commissioners on May 21 that his firm can resubmit previously signed, zero-cost level 2 electric-vehicle (EV) charging-station proposals to local utilities following changes in how the state’s EV program is being administered. John, county staff who introduced the item, framed the presentation and asked the board to hear Tuttleman’s update.

Tuttleman said program rule changes—prompted by a midterm modification filed with the state Department of Public Utilities—shifted larger projects to utility-led implementation while leaving a state EV incentive program (Mass EVIP) to handle smaller projects and areas served by certain municipal utilities. "What we're just looking for is an acknowledgment from the county that you wish to proceed under the same zerocost initiative that you originally signed up for," Tuttleman told the board.

He described the county’s original plan as deploying level 2 dual-port chargers across county properties at no out-of-pocket cost to the county and said updated hardware (including newer dual-port 100-amp units that provide roughly 50 amps per plug) is now available. Tuttleman said utilities told him that, after a completed project approval, typical utility turnaround to fund and start a project is six to eight weeks, though additional paperwork and application steps can extend that window.

Commissioners pressed for practical details and how the proposal would differ from earlier applications. Tuttleman said communities including Southbridge, Claremont and Quincy have signed back on and begun deployments under the resubmitted utility process. Commissioners said they wanted an updated, written proposal ahead of the next meeting; staff said they would attempt to post materials by Friday so the chairman can decide whether to place the item on next Wednesday’s agenda. The absent chairman will have final say on timing.

Why it matters: Level 2 chargers are designed for multi-hour stops at municipal facilities, courthouses and parks; installing them at county-owned locations can expand local EV access without direct capital outlay from county budgets. Commissioners emphasized they support moving "green" infrastructure forward but declined to act without the chair’s participation and a refreshed written offer.

What’s next: Tuttleman said he will refresh the signed proposals and provide updated hardware specifications and a written packet to county staff in advance of the next meeting; commissioners asked staff to circulate the materials and to invite Tuttleman back to answer the chair’s questions. No formal vote or contract award was taken at the May 21 meeting.