TDEC, TVA seek fast charge TN network projects

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have partnered to develop a statewide electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network to power the growth of EVs across Tennessee and reduce barriers to transportation electrification.

Specifically, the two will collaborate and fund a network of fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways. The “Fast Charge TN Network” will add approximately 50 new charging locations along prioritized corridor infrastructure gaps, tripling Tennessee’s existing fast charging network.

TDEC and TVA will leverage various funding sources to support the development of the Fast Charge TN Network with an anticipated project cost of $20 million. TDEC has committed 15%, the maximum allowable, of the State’s Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust allocation to fund light-duty EV charging infrastructure. Approximately $5 million from this fund is expected to be allocated to fast charging infrastructure along corridors. The remainder of the project will be funded by TVA, other program partners, and program participant cost share.

The two agencies are now seeking initial project proposals from TVA-served Local Power Companies (LPCs) and other local utilities that distribute electricity in Tennessee whose service territory is located along prioritized corridor gaps (eligible applicants) to develop the Fast Charge TN Network across Tennessee. Later rounds of funding may expand applicant eligibility to include local governmental entities, private companies, and/or non-profits.

For selected, eligible projects, the program will provide up to 80% of the cost to purchase, install, operate, and maintain eligible EV fast charging infrastructure that will be located within a prioritized corridor gap and made available to the public. This program will not support the purchase or rental of real estate, other capital costs (e.g., construction of buildings, parking facilities, etc.), or general maintenance (i.e., maintenance other than of the EV charging infrastructure). Program participants will be required to provide at least 20% of the total project cost through direct or in-kind cost share.

This program will require selected projects to include at least two DC fast chargers at each location, with the option to request to install a maximum of four DC fast chargers per location. Additionally, requests for funding may not exceed $150,000 per fast charger to be installed. Program participants will be responsible for finding a suitable host site and purchasing, installing, owning, operating, and maintaining program-funded fast charging equipment for a period of no less than five years.

Several program resources are now available at https://energyright.com/ev/fast-charger-program/tn/ for applicant reference, including a Program Overview, a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) response sheet and Program Guidelines. Additional program resources will be made available at a later date.

Eligible applicants must submit NOIs to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov by 4:00 PM CT on October 15, 2021 to be considered for funding. TDEC and TVA will review responses received to determine the projects that will be funded by each funding source. TDEC and TVA will then work directly with selected entities on next steps, including any remaining application documents and requirements prior to contracting.

TDEC and TVA will host a Fast Charge TN Network solicitation webinar from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT on September 2, 2021. This webinar will be recorded and posted on the TDEC website for applicant reference. The webinar will provide guidance on the application process, program terms and conditions, project eligibility, timelines for implementation, and reporting requirements. Click here to register for the webinar.

For additional information on the Fast Charge TN Network, visit http://tn.gov/EVfastcharge.

For more information on TVA’s EV programming, visit https://energyright.com/ev/.

For more information on the VW Settlement, visit the TDEC website at http://www.tn.gov/environment/VWSettlement.

The State of Tennessee’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) under the VW Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust has been updated to reflect this funding announcement. More information can be found at TDEC’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan website.

Questions related to the Round 1 Fast Charge TN Network solicitation can be directed to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov.