OEEC News and Events

Community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program beginning September 9.  Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. The convenience of at-home charging makes EV ownership more practical, but that can be a barrier for residents of community associations who may not have access to power near their parking space. “Charge Up Fairfax is helping drivers have more accessible, reliable, and convenient ways to charge their electric vehicles,” said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “By expanding the availability of EV charging stations where people live, we’re reducing air pollution, lowering fuel costs, and helping people get to where they need to go more efficiently.” Charge Up Fairfax helps community associations —including HOAs, condominiums, clusters, and co-ops —overcome those barriers by providing both technical assistance and financial support. Communities that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by Fairfax County. If the community association decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, the community will hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection.  Following installation, communities participating in the program can receive a reimbursement grant to cover one-third of eligible expenses, up to $5,000. A new grant-only option is available to community associations who are ready to install charging stations but need financial support. Communities in certain equity designated areas may be eligible for up to $12,000 in some cases.  Since the program’s pilot launch in 2023, 16 communities have been accepted into the program. Two of those communities expect to complete installations of EV chargers by the end of 2024. Up to 8 community associations will be accepted into the program during this new application period, which runs from September 9 through November 8, 2024. Community associations can prepare to apply by surveying residents, identifying charging locations, and reviewing governing documents and funding options.   Interested in learning more? Join OEEC on Tuesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual roundtable where program participants will discuss their experience with the Charge Up Fairfax program, how they overcame any barriers, and benefited from the technical assistance and financial support provided. Visit the Charge Up Fairfax webpage for more details and to register for the event. REGISTER FOR THE EVENT  

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Cub Run Rec Center was awarded First Place at the 2024 ASHRAE Region III Technology Awards, in the Public Assembly Facilities category, for recent facility improvements, which significantly reduced the building’s energy consumption. ASHRAE’s Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation. “The preservation and conservation of natural resources is a key component of the Park Authority’s mission – making these types of capital projects a natural fit for our facilities,” Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole remarked. “As the county’s largest landowner, we are proud to demonstrate energy efficient practices to show that they do, in fact, make a difference both to the environment and to the bottom line. This smart, successful approach to facility improvements is something that we are replicating at Park Authority facilities across the county as systems reach the end of their useful life and require replacement.”  Through these efforts, the Park Authority is also contributing to the energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals established in Fairfax County’s Operational Energy Strategy. Read More on Park News