News > A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Electric Vehicles

A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Electric Vehicles

August 2023

Throughout 2023, Stearns Electric will be featuring residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural EnergyWise programs, rebates and other cost and energy saving features in our Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions. In August, we are featuring members Jeff and Gayle Gibson and Electric Vehicles.

Member Interview

JEFF AND GAYLE GIBSON
Member since 1997

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
We bought our Ford Mustang Mach E in October 2021. It was actually never our intention to purchase an electric vehicle, but we got to test drive the Ford Mustang MachE and instantly loved it. We purchased a higher model with a premium battery and it is so fun to drive and ride. It’s sporty, powerful and really comfortable for everyone in the vehicle.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST BENEFIT?
The lack of maintenance is such a benefit because we don’t spend the time and money on oil changes. Additionally, the overall cost savings on fuel is a great benefit as well.

ARE THERE ANY INCONVENIENCES?
The “range anxiety” that people talk about is a real thing, but we do our best to plan our trips accordingly. It would be great to have more fast chargers available along I-94.

HOW MUCH DID YOU RECEIVE IN REBATES?
We received a $500 ChargeWise rebate on our in-home electric vehicle charger. We also received a federal tax rebate.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU SAVED?
We’ve saved about $5,000 a year just in the cost of gas, plus not having to pay for typical maintenance on a gas-powered vehicle. We haven’t purchased gas once since owning this vehicle.

HOW MUCH ENERGY HAVE YOU SAVED?
Although we use more electricity charging our vehicle, we save with the lower energy rate by participating in the ChargeWise program. We’ve saved over 1,300 gallons of gas and by converting both gas and electricity to BTUs of energy, we’ve saved over 110 million BTUs of energy by driving an electric vehicle versus a gas-powered vehicle.

Electric Vehicle ChargeWise Program

ChargeWise is a voluntary program for qualified members who own or lease an electric vehicle. The program allows members to charge their vehicle at home during off-peak hours. Members simply plug in their vehicle and it charges during these off-peak overnight hours at a reduced rate.

OFF-PEAK CHARGING TIMES:
Daily from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Electricity for charging your electric vehicle is only available during off-peak hours. This option requires a separate metered circuit installed.
• To qualify for the ChargeWise program, you must be a Stearns Electric member-consumer and own or lease an electric vehicle.

The total cost of installation for the ChargeWise equipment varies depending on current electrical design, code requirements and charging options you choose, among other factors. Stearns Electric will provide the meter and load control demand response unit receiver for free, and members are eligible for a $500 rebate for the in-home EV charger.

Stearns Electric offers residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural rebates for our member-consumers. By upgrading to more efficient equipment and enrolling in our EnergyWise programs, you will save money and energy every month. Contact Stearns Electric at (800) 962-0655 for more information.

Click here to see the full August Innovative Energy Solutions feature.