Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) in Nebraska has launched a new program to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and study its impact on the grid. The utility will educate customers on EV adoption and offer grants for charging infrastructure. It has already purchased 52 electrified vehicles for its own fleet.

So far, the utility has obtained the following electrified vehicles and charging infrastructure:

• Two battery-electric Nissan Leaf EVs

• Four plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including two Chevrolet Volts, one Ford Fusion Energi, and one Ford C-Max Energi

• 39 gasoline-electric hybrids from Ford, Toyota, and Honda

• Three bucket trucks equipped with a battery-powered boom

• Four EV chargers.

According to a blog post from the utility, about 600 electric vehicles are registered in the state of Nebraska, and about half of those vehicles are located in OPPD’s service territory.

OPPD expects to launch an EV pilot this summer, with educational programs for customers on the financial incentives of purchasing EVs and grants for customers who purchase Chargepoint EV chargers. During the pilot, OPPD will track and monitor the program’s impact on its distribution system, which will help the utility plan the way it manages its grid.

Related: N.Y. Municipality Acquires Largest Municipal Utility EV Fleet in State