Dozens more electric vehicle chargers being added in St. Tammany

Cleco Power, Adopt a Charger and the Northshore Community Foundation are teaming up to install up to 40 Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at 10 sites across St. Tammany Parish.

Level 2 chargers can add 10 to 30 miles of driving range per hour of charging and are popular with site hosts because they are easy to install and attract EV drivers who intend to shop and dine in the community.

Adopt A Charger is a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the use of plug-in EVs by installing public charging stations. With help from Cleco and Northwest Community Foundation, Adopt a Charger said some $250,000 will be invested in the project on the northshore, according to Kitty Adams, executive director for Adopt a Charger.

The chargers will be installed at popular locations, such as local libraries, parks, museums, colleges and commercial businesses.

Adopt a Charger has already installed six charging stations at the first selected local site — Pelican Park in Mandeville by the Castine Center.

“The goal is to go beyond charging cars and educate the public on the benefits of driving electric,” said Adams. “When people spot an EV on the road, they don’t automatically notice that the vehicle runs off electricity. The ‘aha’ moment happens when they see the car plugged in at places they like to go. From there, they can talk to EV owners and ask about their experience.”

Cleco calls it an investment in cleaner, all-electric technologies and an investment in the community.

“Installing charging stations at convenient locations will make it easier for local EV owners to charge their vehicles, as well as attract visitors to the area,” said Shane Hilton, president of Cleco Power. 

Fire chiefs supportcanceling burn ban

St. Tammany Parish has opted out of the statewide burn ban, effective as of Nov. 17. Parish President Mike Cooper said the decision was made with support from the local fire districts.

“Recent rainfall has decreased the potential fire risks, so with support of our parish fire chiefs, I have opted out of the statewide burn ban,” he said. “Until recently, our parish’s fire potential and conditions were at a record high, causing extreme stress on firefighters, who are responsible for protecting life and property. I greatly appreciate our citizens’ patience and understanding through this burn ban.”

While burning is now allowed in most of unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, citizens are strongly encouraged to use caution when burning yard debris. Burning is not allowed within most municipalities.

According to parish ordinances, the yard debris fire shall not be greater than 8 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height, be in a container if closer than 50 feet from a structure, or be unattended. A water hose must be nearby.