At the Brookhaven City Council work session on Sept. 28, the panel heard a report about its electrical vehicle program and changes to its city-supplied insurance program.
Mason Hill, the city’s sustainability intern, said in 2014 that Brookhaven had no public EV stations, and today has 27, with 10 chargers for use by police vehicles. After the city first installed the chargers, they were free of charge, but last April, they became “pay-to-play” around the city, which Hill said greatly reduced the amount of usage.
Despite that, he said the chargers’ gross revenue averages around $1,000 a month. The program’s usage has reduced about 381,178 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions that is equal to 9,774 trees living for 10 years.
A diagram shows a shift in EV charger use after the city stopped its free program. (City of Brookhaven)
About 51 of the city’s 189 vehicles incorporate electric fuel, the report said. Of those, 19 are fully electric. In addition, EV car chargers at Woodley Plaza have been installed and are awaiting initial set up and programming by installers, which is expected to be complete by October. Three other installations will be DCFC level 3 chargers, the fastest available stations.
DCFC level 3 chargers, according to Green Cars, can charge an electric vehicle up to 80% in 25-40 minutes.
In other action, the council heard a presentation from Cigna about its employee insurance plan, which has experienced a dramatic rise in medical costs and usage.
Cigna representatives said several large claims exceeding $100,000 or more, along with more participation in the program, contributed to the rising costs.
To offset the potential 28% rise in premiums, the program will increase deductibles and institute higher cost-sharing for enrollees. The program’s total cost will increase by 8%, with enrollees paying higher premiums, depending on the coverage they choose.
The council retired to executive session to discuss real estate and personnel issues.