ILLINOIS — Illinois Electric Cooperative (IEC) unveiled its first public electric vehicle charging station at John Wood Community College’s (JWCC) Southeast Education Center near Pittsfield on Wednesday. The charging station located along Highway 54 allows two electric vehicles to charge simultaneously.
“The EV industry is growing nationally, and we think it’s time to bring electric car charging stations to our service territory. We thank John Wood for allowing us to locate a charger at their facility. Being right off I72 and by Pittsfield is a great first location for us,” Randy Long, General Manager, shared.
JWCC President Dr. Bryan Renfro shared, “We are excited to collaborate with the Illinois Electric Cooperative to bring an electric vehicle charging station to the JWCC Southeast Education Center in Pittsfield. Our Southeast Educational Center has served as a hub for higher education in Pike County and this new venture allows students, the community and visitors to charge their car as well as their mind!”
The co-op has partnered with chargEV™ to become one of the now 94 electric cooperatives to offer electric charging through their growing network.
“Being a chargEV™ affiliate allows us to be shown to electric vehicle owners nationwide through their online charging station map. Being on the map will result in electric vehicle drivers possibly stopping in our communities while traveling through the area. It’s an added benefit to offering charging to our members.” Mr. Long explained.
The electric vehicle charging station is a stand-alone unit that accepts various forms of electronic payment through a smartphone app. The co-op will soon have a second charging station located in South Jacksonville.
Illinois Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members large and small. More than 700 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states are delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. Illinois Electric is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 10,300 meters over 2,950 miles of line in parts of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, Pike and Scott counties. For more information visit www.e-co-op.com.