Cloverland Electric Cooperative Awarded Grant for Electric Vehicle Chargers

Cloverland Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Manistique and St. Ignace, Michigan. This initiative is part of the broader effort to enhance Michigan’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Lake Michigan Circuit program. Cloverland plans to start construction on these sites later this year.

The grant, totaling $96,285 for each location, will support the installation of one 180 kilowatt (kW) DC fast charger at each site. These chargers will play a pivotal role in facilitating long-distance travel for electric vehicle owners, reducing range anxiety and supporting sustainable tourism through Cloverland’s Eastern Upper Peninsula service territory.

The Lake Michigan Circuit is a collaborative effort spanning 1,100 miles of shoreline across Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, aimed at promoting electric vehicle use through reliable and accessible charging infrastructure. Cloverland’s participation in this initiative underscores its commitment to advancing clean transportation solutions and supporting Michigan’s transition to electric mobility.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from EGLE, which will enable us to enhance our community’s infrastructure and support the growing electric vehicle market,” said Cloverland Electric Cooperative CEO Mike Heise. “These new charging stations will not only benefit local residents but also encourage tourism and economic growth in our region.”

The EGLE grant is part of a larger $905,567 funding allocation across the state to install Direct Current Fast Charge (DCFC) stations and Level 2 chargers, made available through the Volkswagen Settlement Trust for fiscal year 2024. This investment is aligned with Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan and MI Future Mobility Plan, aiming to build a robust network of charging stations that cater to the needs of electric vehicle drivers.

“EV chargers are what our communities are asking for so we took it upon ourselves to find funding,” said Cloverland’s Director of Business Development Jake Brown who completed the grant. “This grant is a significant new investment for the Upper Peninsula.”