City of Rochester Announces New Rate Policy for Public Electric Vehicle Chargers
City of Rochester Announces New Rate Policy for Public Electric Vehicle Chargers
December 3, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. Beginning January 1, 2026, the City of Rochester will implement a new rate structure for City-owned public Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The new rate will be $0.17 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with a $5 hourly idle fee applied 30 minutes after a vehicle has completed charging.
The new structure is designed to promote fairness, transparency and access for all EV users. By transitioning to a per-kWh rate, residents will pay only for the electricity they use. The hourly idle fee encourages turnover so that more residents can access public chargers throughout the day.
“The City’s updated rate structure reflects our commitment to providing reliable and equitable access to public charging,” said Kayla Betzold, City Sustainability Coordinator. “As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, this approach ensures that chargers are available for everyone while keeping rates affordable and aligned with state standards.”
The per-kWh rate follows the new framework approved by the State of Minnesota and used by most major charging networks. It is structured to cover the City’s costs for electricity, operations and maintenance while remaining comparable to other publicly accessible stations across the region. The idle fee is applied automatically through the charging network’s system and begins after a 30-minute grace period once the vehicle is fully charged.
This work builds on Rochester’s recent recognition as a Charging Smart Silver designee, a national designation awarded for policies and practices that expand access to EVs and charging infrastructure. Through Charging Smart, the City has adopted best practices that make it faster and easier to install charging equipment, including the development of an EV charging permitting checklist to support both commercial and residential installations. These efforts strengthen the foundation for a reliable and accessible EV network that supports Rochester’s long-term transportation and clean energy goals.
Residents can learn more about public EV charging locations and the City’s clean transportation initiatives on the City’s website.