Central Maine Power Co., a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is launching a new phase in its Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Grant Program. The utility will offer selected non-profit organizations matching funds of up to $5,000 to support the lease or purchase of eligible vehicles or $2,500 toward the purchase and installation of a Level 2 or 3 charging station.

This marks the third consecutive year that CMP has offered grants for PEVs and charging infrastructure. The utility’s programs have helped to put 18 PEVs on the road throughout central and southern Maine and have added charging infrastructure in Greater Portland. That charging equipment includes DC quick chargers for the public’s use at the Fore Street parking garage and the South Portland Community Center. (A complete list of grant recipients is below).

“Our efforts to encourage more widespread use of hybrid and electric cars in Maine started with our own fleet,” said CMP President and CEO Sara J. Burns. “These vehicles have worked out so well for us and our affiliates that our parent company, Iberdrola USA, has committed to spend at least five percent of its annual fleet acquisition budget on plug-in electric vehicles and equipment.”

A limited number of grants are available. To qualify, non-profit organizations must be located and/or operating within CMP’s service territory. Vehicles must have electric propulsion (either part- or full-time), plug-in battery charging, and be commercially available. Customized cars, home-made vehicles, or prototypes are not eligible. Visit www.cmpco.com/electricvehicles for a complete list of requirements.

Organizations that wish to participate in CMP’s PEV Grant Program must apply online at www.cmpco.com/electricvehicles or download the application to complete and mail to: Shelley Morris, Public Affairs Department, CMP, 83 Edison Drive, Augusta, ME 04336. CMP will review all requests and will contact applicants by mail with a decision.

Following is a list of CMP PEV program grant recipients:

• PEVS

• Bard Coffee

• Bowdoin College

• Chewonki Foundation

• City of Portland

• Colby College

• ecomaine

• Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine

• Fresh Air Ventilation Systems

• Greater Portland Council of Governments

• Green Clean Maine

• Maine Energy Education Program

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

• Portland House of Pizza

• Sunrise Guide

• Tilson Technology

• Town of Scarborough

• Town of Standish

• UhaulCarShare

• PEV chargers:

• East Brown Cow (Fore St. Garage)

• Hannaford (Corporate Office)

• IDEXX

• Town of South Portland

Central Maine Power Company, a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility.