It Pays to Plug In Grant Program

The It Pays to Plug In program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through its Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring. As a state-level initiative, the program reflects New Jersey’s broader policy commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding clean transportation infrastructure. By incentivizing the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, the program supports both environmental goals and economic development tied to clean energy adoption. The funding originates from various state-managed sources and is structured to encourage widespread participation across multiple sectors. The primary purpose of the program is to offset the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations. Through this financial support, the initiative seeks to expand the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle infrastructure across the state. By increasing the number of charging locations, the program enables residents, businesses, and public entities to transition more easily to electric vehicles, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The program covers different types of charging technologies, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers, each serving distinct use cases and deployment environments. Funding is provided as reimbursement grants, with specific limitations tied to the type of charging equipment and the structure of the application process. For Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, funding is distributed on a first come, first served basis until available funds are depleted. In contrast, DC Fast Charger funding is offered through competitive solicitation periods, reflecting the higher cost and infrastructure complexity associated with these installations. The department retains discretion to limit reimbursement amounts based on factors such as the number and geographic distribution of charging stations proposed by an applicant. Eligibility for the program is broad but excludes private residential dwellings that are not part of multi unit housing. All other entities are eligible to apply, including businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. This inclusive approach ensures that both public and private sector stakeholders can contribute to the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. The program does not explicitly outline cost sharing or matching requirements, suggesting that awards are structured as direct reimbursements rather than requiring additional applicant contributions. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the System for Administering Grants Electronically, known as SAGE. In addition, applicants must complete registration with the NJStart system, which serves as the state’s procurement and vendor registration platform. These submission requirements are mandatory steps in the application process and must be completed prior to consideration. The program does not specify detailed application components in the provided material, but the use of centralized systems indicates a standardized digital submission workflow. The application timeline varies depending on the type of charging equipment being funded. Applications for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline and submissions are reviewed continuously. For DC Fast Chargers, applications are accepted only during designated competitive solicitation periods. Notification of awards is contingent upon the availability of funding, and no fixed award timeline is provided. The program appears to be ongoing rather than tied to a single funding cycle, suggesting continued availability subject to budget constraints. For additional information, applicants can contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection directly. The Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring provides program oversight and can be reached via phone or email. The department’s mailing address in Trenton, New Jersey is also provided for formal correspondence. Overall, the program represents a strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure, with a flexible application structure designed to accommodate a wide range of project types and applicants.