Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – The city of Jasper has been awarded a bronze designation from the national Charging Smart program, becoming the first city in Indiana to earn this recognition for advancing electric vehicle readiness.
As a Charging Smart bronze designee, Jasper has adopted nationally recognized best practices to expand EV charging infrastructure and support the growth of clean transportation. The city worked with Charging Smart’s technical assistance team to strengthen local policies, enhance collaboration with utilities, and align EV initiatives with Jasper’s long-term economic development and sustainability goals.
“This designation is yet another example of the City of Jasper’s commitment to planning for progress and what sets it apart from its peers,” said Josh Gunselman, director of Community Development & Planning.
To earn the bronze designation, Jasper reviewed and updated zoning requirements, established a standard EV charging permit process, and engaged with its utility department to identify collaboration opportunities. These steps will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents, businesses, and nonprofits to install EV infrastructure and adopt EVs. Jasper has 19 charging stations, according to Plugshare.com.
Charging Smart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the Great Plains Institute, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office. Communities meeting program criteria are recognized with bronze, silver, or gold designations.
Any city, town, county, or regional organization can participate in Charging Smart. More information is available at ChargingSmart.org.