SOMERS, N.Y. - September is back-to-school time in Somers, and if you plan to stop by the Elephant Hotel parking lot this month to drop off your school tax payment, look for one of the town’s two electric vehicles (EVs), purchased as part of Somers’ efforts to keep the community clean and green.
Over the past two years, Somers has expanded its electric fleet, added electric parks equipment and pursued approvals for additional localized charging stations. These upgrades have been funded through a combination of state grants and green-energy rebate programs.
To date, Somers has integrated a Ford 4x4 hybrid pursuit vehicle into its police fleet using state grant funding. In Reis Park, residents may spot new commercial electric lawn and maintenance equipment, including two all-electric John Deere Gators that were fully grant-funded. The town’s highway and parks crews also use battery-powered riding and walk-behind mowers, electric leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and string trimmers.
These electric options are significantly quieter than traditional gas-powered equipment, so unless you are watching for them, they may pass by unnoticed.
What the town does not want to go unnoticed, however, is the opportunity for residents to install an EV charger of their own at the lowest possible cost. There are three steps:
Sign up for the NYSEG Smart Charging Program.
Hire a Westchester County-licensed electrician to assist with the required Town of Somers permit, and be sure to follow up with a town inspection.
Claim the New York State Tax Credit on your personal income tax using Form IT-253.
If you already own an EV or are considering one and looking into charging options, several charging apps can help identify not only where charging stations are located, but also specific plug availability and whether charging is free or has a cost. In Somers, several public charging stations are available around town, including at parks and shopping centers.
A web search using PlugShare, ChargePoint or EVgo can provide nearby, up-to-date listings of available charging stations and their costs.
For more information on energy-efficient rebates, electric yard equipment and other initiatives, click here.
Article courtesy of Somers Energy and Environment Committee.
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