Empire District installs 8 charging stations at Branson Landing

Joplin-based Empire District Electric Co. and Branson Landing today unveiled eight new electric vehicle-charging stations.

The stations, at the center’s north Belk parking lot along Branson Landing Boulevard and the south Bass Pro Shops parking lot, were installed as part of Empire District’s electric vehicle incentive program dubbed Evolve, according to a news release.

The initiative includes rebate incentives — $1,000 on purchases of new hybrids and $2,000 on all-electric models; educational outreach; and increased availability of EV charging stations within Empire District’s service areas. According to the company’s website, electric charging stations are a growth area because the transportation sector accounts for more than a quarter of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

“Plans have been in the works for the EV chargers at the Branson Landing for several months,” Empire District spokeswoman Julie Maus said today in a phone interview. “After a few delays due to rain and flooding, the installation was completed at the end of May.”

Empire covered costs for equipment for the charging stations, Maus said. The Landing will cover costs for electricity in the future – it’s complimentary for patrons.

“Utilizing electric vehicles makes sense – both environmentally and economically,” said Brent Baker, Empire District vice president of customer experience, in the release.

Maus added the demand for the charging stations is strong. 

“We’re seeing our customers paying more attention to efficiency and the environment, and part of that is the movement toward electric vehicles,” Maus said.

Last year, Empire District, which was also purchased by Oakville, Ontario-based Algonquin Power Utilities Corp. (TSX: AQN) for $2.3 billion, unveiled charging stations at 215 W. Main St. in Branson and in front of its own telecommunications and call center at 201 W. Brick St. in Ozark. The utility company has a goal of installing 100 chargers within five years, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.