The United Illuminating Company “Plugs In” to Sustainable Commuting

(Editor's note: The following is a press release sent by Bethany Meccariello.)

In an effort to promote sustainable commuting across Connecticut, The United Illuminating Company (UI) has installed its first residential Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) charging station at the home of Easton resident Kevin Porter. The United Illuminating Company wants to test and monitor the new technology to determine its future viability for all electric vehicle customers.

“We are proud to be a part of the new wave of ‘commuting green’ and have recognized this rising trend by installing the charging station at Kevin’s home,” said Roddy Diotalevi, Senior Director of Client Services, UI. “Monitoring Kevin’s usage will help us better understand the usage and charging patterns of PEV owners and determine UI’s role in helping streamline the integration of electric vehicles throughout Connecticut.” 

During the 24 mile commute to and from his job, Porter is driving the Chevy Volt, an Extended Range Electric Vehicle that uses both gas and electric to run.

“So far I have not used any gas, driving my 24 mile commute on one single charge,” said Porter. “It’s been estimated that I’m paying about $1.73 per commute to charge my car, which is about 7 cents per mile, and that means huge savings for our family considering how expensive gas currently is across the state.” 

Porter also noted, “I truly believe that it is important to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I am a firm believer in the idea of self-sufficiency, and it makes sense to be driving an ‘extended range’ electric car, especially since I have PV solar panels generating electricity for my home.”

On March 21, UI installed a level 2 (240V) AeroVironment Charging Station for Porter to charge his Volt. The vehicle will fully charge in approximately four hours.  The Volt’s battery range is 25 to 50 miles depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. After the vehicle has surpassed its battery limit of about 50 miles, the gas engine will kick-in and allow the car to be driven an additional 344 miles on a full tank of gas.

According to the Fuel Economy Guide, it is estimated that a consumer will pay approximately $601 per year to run a car electrically versus $1,302 per year to always run in gas-only mode, based on national gas averages. 

The purpose of this pilot project is to test and monitor the new technology. UI will use the information gathered from this install to determine if there is future viability to create a residential charging station offering for all electric vehicle customers.

For more information, visit uinet.com.