The Village of Park Forest is implementing new stipulations on electric charging stations, including a new charge and usage restrictions. 

Sustainability Coordinator Carrie Malfeo said the new fee of $0.15 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at electric charging stations is meant to combat the rising cost of electricity. 

Chicago area households paid an average of 17.0 cents per kWh in January 2024, up 13% from January of 2023 at 15.1 cents per kWh, according to a February report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Over the last seven years, the E.V. charging station outside Village Hall has been free with unlimited charging," Malfeo said. "The goal was to incentivize people to go electric, and more people are doing that."

Park Forest electric vehicle sticker sales have increased 75% over the last four years as compared to the four years spanning 2015 to 2019. Although the Village currently has just one charging station in the community, located at Village Hall, Malfeo said plans are in the works to add additional stations. Proposed locations include the Park Forest Public Library, Freedom Hall, and adding a second station in the Village's DownTown.

Since being installed in 2015, charging sessions have also allowed for unlimited usage in addition to their no cost.

Malfeo continued, "The new policy that started on March 1 will include a time limit," Malfeo said. "Drivers can charge their cars for up to four hours per session - which would costs roughly $4 for the entire session versus paying $3.89 per gallon to fill up your tank." 

Malfeo said the Village is actively searching for county, state, and federal grants to fund more charging stations. New stations can cost between $20,000 and $40,000 depending on the cost of infrastructure and electricity access available.  Malfeo said the addition of electric charging stations are all part of Park Forest's Climate Action and Resilience Plans. 

"The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025," Malfeo said. "Additionally, reduce the risk of climate impacts to Park Forest's resources and infrastructure as well as increase social and economic resilience."

Click here for more information about the Village's Climate Action and Resilience Plans.