Westmoreland County has discontinued efforts to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its parks after the startup contracted to lead the project became unresponsive and failed to deliver. The company, Kilocharge LLC, had been contracted in 2022 to install chargers in up to four county parks under a revenue-sharing agreement, but the project stalled before construction began.
The five-year contract required Kilocharge to cover installation costs and share a quarter of the generated revenue with the county. Sites included Twin Lakes Park as the primary location, with Cedar Creek, Mammoth, and Northmoreland Parks also planned to receive chargers. Despite multiple meetings, the startup did not progress beyond planning, citing electrical service issues as the cause of delays, though no visible developments occurred.
Attempts to contact Kilocharge have failed, with the listed phone number disconnected and emails unanswered, suggesting the company has ceased operations entirely. This breakdown obstructs the county’s goal to expand access to EV chargers on public property. Currently, Westmoreland County, despite having several EV charging stations within its wider area, does not have any on county-owned land.
Federal data from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center reveals a modest increase in EV stations countywide over recent years, yet the absence of chargers on public parks highlights a gap in infrastructure for local residents. Nearly 500 charging points exist within 30 miles of the county seat, mostly concentrated around Pittsburgh and its suburbs, creating uneven access for Westmoreland drivers.
County officials expressed disappointment over the failed partnership. One commissioner pointed out the company’s failure to meet its commitments, while Parks and Recreation representatives had initially expressed optimism about expanding EV charging to other county properties. Although this contract has dissolved, local leaders remain open to partnering with other firms to advance EV infrastructure within county parks.