Potomac Edison (PE) operates a network of 20 DC fast chargers and 77 Level 2 ports spread across 43 locations in its service area. As a regulated utility, PE is required to maintain 97% uptime for its charging stations.
October 3, 2024 Charger Audit Results
This virtual charger audit of PE’s EV Driven network found mostly favorable results. While all DC fast chargers were online and available, two Level 2 ports were essentially “offline” due to their absence from online directories.
Key Findings:
- DC Fast Chargers: 100% availability.
- Level 2 Ports: 97% availability (75/77 ports).
- Myersville Town Hall: A previously listed dual-port Level 2 station has mysteriously disappeared from online directories.
Issues and Concerns:
- Missing Level 2 Ports: The absence of two Level 2 ports from online directories makes it difficult for EV drivers to locate and use them.
- Myersville Town Hall Station: The reason for the station’s removal from online directories remains unclear. Parking restrictions and potential conflicts may have played a role.
Recommendations:
- Update Online Directories: Potomac Edison should ensure that all charging stations are accurately listed and updated in online directories.
- Investigate Myersville Town Hall Station: PE should investigate the reasons for the station’s disappearance and work with local authorities to address any issues including onsite signage.
- Improve Communication: PE should provide clear communication to EV drivers about charging station availability and any known issues.
Overall, while Potomac Edison has achieved a high availability rate for its DC fast chargers and Level 2 ports, the uncertainty surrounding the Myersville Town Hall station is an issue that could be addressed to improve the overall user experience.
Detailed Audit Results
On October 3, 2024, I conducted a virtual charger audit of PE’s “EV Driven” network, checking the status of all 97 charging ports using ChargeHub and ChargePoint apps. Notably, both DC fast chargers at the Rocky Gap Resort, previously reporting as “Out of Service” last week, are now online and available.
Myersville Town Hall Station
The dual-port Level 2 station installed at Myersville Town Hall in May 2022 has disappeared from both the ChargePoint app and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.
A notable change at this location is the removal of the “no parking except while charging” sign, leaving a “parking for town business only” restriction in place. The town indicated that this decision followed several verbal altercations over parking access to the charging station. I don’t know whether these incidents are related to the station’s removal from the map, but it could be a factor.
Tracking Uptime Trends
We’ll continue tracking uptime trends and monitoring offline chargers in upcoming audits. As more data is collected, it will provide a clearer picture of whether Maryland’s public charging networks are meeting reliability standards and supporting the state’s goals for EV adoption.
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