Charging Stations Open in Cotati

Three new electronic charging stations debuted in downtown Cotati this week — nearly from the the City Council.

The e-stations, on East School Street near Cotati City Hall, are part of a countywide initiative that aims to broaden the county's green energy grid.

Funded by two federal grants — from the Department of Energy and American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 — the charging stations would not cost the city any money for the tryout phase, according to a staff report.

The grant requires that the city operate the plug-in stations in a public location through 2013, said Cotati City Engineer, Damien Obid. After that the city could opt to keep the stations for an annual fee of between $200 and $500 over the next three years, plus the cost of electricity, or choose to eliminate the program.

Rohnert Park is taking on a similar program.