The Public Works Commission and city made the announcement in light of the state law passed in July.
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It was written by Rep. John Szoka and signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper, allowing owners of stations to charge for energy usage.
PWC spokesperson Carolyn Justice-Hinson said they chose not to take that option.
"We don't see much use, as we would like. And we obviously want more people to consider using electric vehicles," Justice-Hinson said.
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Data sent to ABC11 revealed that there has been a steady climb in usage every year. But Justice-Hinson said it does not justify adding a charge.
TIMES USED:
- 2019: 1,400 by 146 users
- 2018: 1,300 by 124 users
- 2017: 1,174 by 92 users
- 2016: 628 by 62 users
"So the commission had decided to continue providing that free of charge," Justice-Hinson said.
PWC owns four charging stations across the city: Marketfair mall, Clark Park, Honeycutt Park, and Lake Rim Park.
According to data gathered by PWC, many of the users are regulars or people from out of town. Justice-Hinson said she believes many of those people are visiting the parks.
The PWC told ABC11 that it has no intention to add more charging stations but plans to re-evaluate the numbers in the spring.