GC’s McHenry campus latest to have electric vehicle (EV) charging station installed

Garrett College’s McHenry campus is one of the latest locations in Garrett County and western Maryland to have an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station installed by Potomac Edison, as part of a pilot program to benefit the environment by reducing auto emissions.

“We met with Potomac Edison representatives and it was determined that the College was an excellent candidate and location for a double EV charging station,” stated Kathy Meagher, GC’s director of campus facilities and security.  “The EV charging stations were completely funded through rebates by Potomac Edison as part of their pilot program.”

Over the course of the five-year pilot program – approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission – Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., will install more than 50 charging stations at various locations throughout its Maryland service territory, according to the company’s website (www.firstenergycorp.com).

The state-wide initiative has a goal of reaching 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.

Meagher also stated the EV charging stations will assist the College with meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements for the Community Education and Performing Arts Center (CEPAC), scheduled to open in the spring of 2022.

“As a state-funded project, the CEPAC is required to strive for LEED silver designation, and the installation of the EV charging stations on Garrett College’s McHenry campus will help us to achieve this goal,” noted Meagher.

LEED certification and designation are awarded based on green building design and construction that promote energy efficiency and minimalize environmental impact.