Coalition will add nearly 14,000 electric vehicle rapid-charging stations along U.S. highways
AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable energy company, today announced its membership in the Electric Highway Coalition, a partnership of 14 U.S. utilities established to create a seamless network of rapid electric vehicle charging stations connecting major highway systems, stretching from the Atlantic Coast through the Midwest, South and into the Gulf and Central Plains regions.
AVANGRID’s four electric utility companies – NYSEG, RG&E, Central Maine Power and United Illuminating – join 13 other coalition utilities coordinating driver access to efficient, rapid-charging stations that expand convenient options for long distance electric vehicle travel.
“Joining this coalition will further our efforts to offer our customers another way to participate in a sustainable energy future by enabling them to confidently choose electric vehicles and know they will be able to charge them both at home and on the road," said Avangrid Networks President and CEO Catherine Stempien. “A clean energy future is central to our business, and a goal we share with many communities and customers, so we view this coalition’s efforts as a win for all.”
The Electric Highway Coalition was formed in March 2021 and is committed to growing corridor EV charging solutions within its member’s service territories to ensure EV drivers have convenient charging options and seamless travel routes. Its members will work together to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoid duplication among Coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor fast charging sites.
The charging sites will ideally be easily accessible for drivers and located less than 100 miles apart. The Electric Highway Coalition is also committed to providing a positive charging experience for drivers, including having at least two charging stations with universal vehicle compatibility and additional features where feasible, such as real-time status reporting for drivers and convenient payment collection.
AVANGRID was the first utility in the nation to announce its pledge to achieve generation-related carbon neutrality by 2035 and aims to convert 60% of its fleet to clean energy vehicles by 2030. Its utilities, NYSEG and RG&E, are already utilizing battery-powered construction and fleet equipment, including electric mini excavators, bucket trucks and cars, and is one of the first companies in the world to adopt a full size EV backhoe.
The Electric Highway Coalition recently announced it has doubled its membership. Together, the 14 members represent 29 states and the District of Columbia and serve more than 60 million customers.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $39 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies – a list of America’s best corporate citizens – and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210729006061/en/
Contacts
Sarah Warren
585-794-9253 (mobile)
sarah.warren@avangrid.com
Athena W. Hernandez
203-231-2146 (mobile)
athena.hernandez@avangrid.com