By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — The Town of Casco would like to charge drivers to use its charging stations. 

But, another company would be charging the town to collect the money.

Still, the locally elected officials agreed it is worth setting up payments for charging station usage, especially as electric vehicles gain popularity in the Pine Tree State. 

A few months ago, Selectman Eugene Connolly asked Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward to look into a method for the town to collect fees to recoup the cost of electricity at its two charging stations. One of the charging stations is set up in the parking area behind the Casco Community Center and the other is at the Casco Town Hall property off Meadow Road. 

During the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, Ward reported what he had discovered. In the end, the board gave Ward the green light to keep researching the options.  

“We collect $200 max at the two locations,” Ward said.

That money is collected through a donation box, he said. 

“The current model we have is through ClipperCreek. I’ve spoken with ClipperCreek. They don’t have any software to accept payments. We have to go with a third party,” Ward said. 

“Cost for third party is $1,400 each,” he said.

He asked the board if he should continue looking into the matter or was the sum of $2,800 cost prohibitive.

He speculated that might be an annual cost with a fee added on for monitoring the EV charging stations. 

Selectman Robert MacDonald said yes.

“I think so, especially with the cost of electricity. There probably aren’t a lot of vehicles going there and using it at this time. But, there will be,” he said.