EMPOWER

Awarded: July 2022
Completion Date: July 2025

Project
EMPOWER is the first and only equity-focused, nationwide charging program in the U.S. EMPOWER catalyzes workplace charging through outreach, workplace charger install commitments, and actual installations. Its goal is to provide up to $2,000 worth of free technical assistance each to employers interested in installing workplace electric vehicle charging. Clean Cities Georgia has partnered with over 30 other Clean Cities Coalitions to foster relationships with local workplaces, through EMPOWER. This program is focused on assisting in workplaces located in or employing members of communities that have experienced historical disinvestment. Employees in these communities are more likely to face fundamental barriers to at-home EV charging. Since estimates show that 80% of current EV charging happens at home, EMPOWER is reducing barriers blocking these employees from accessing EVs and the economic benefits of driving electric.

EMPOWER can provide:

  • Site planning and assistance with assessing feasibilty of workplace charging at your workplace
  • Connections to local power companies, electric vehicle charging providers and installers, certified charging technicians and electricians, and other experts
  • Information about funding opportunities that may help offset the cost of installing workplace charging
  • Assistance with employee education, charging use policy development, station signage, and other areas of implementation
  • Statewide publicity and promotion of your efforts to promote corporate sustainability

How To Get Started:

  1. Learn more about the program by reading our flyer.
  2. Email Sumner Pomeroy at sumner@cleancitiesgeorgia.org to schedule a call.
  3. Sign the pledge to Provide Workplace Charging as soon as is feasible. Click here for the sample pledge.
  4. Receive up to $2,000 of free technical support for a feasibility study and charging recommendations.
  5. Get connected to resources to have your charging stations installed! (Note: this project does not include installation funding, but we will do our best to connect you with rebates and other funding resources).

Workplace Charging in Atlanta

Workplace charging (WPC) refers to the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at an employer’s location, allowing employees to charge their plug-in electric vehicles while at work. These installations serve as amenities for businesses, reducing range anxiety and encouraging employees to adopt EVs. 

Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Parking Management

Atlanta, GA — [7/8/2025] — Clean Cities Georgia is proud to announce a successful collaboration with the Russell Parking Management (RPM) to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in one of Atlanta’s opportunity communities located in a charging desert at Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). As the asset manager, RPM Parking proposed the value add of standing up EV Chargers and the owners approved the investment funding.  The commitment to sustainability and innovation is an early signal of the plans to redevelop the community nested in the southwest corner of downtown Atlanta.

This is part of a nationwide effort, through the EMPOWER Workplace Charging Program, a nationwide initiative to make EVs more accessible for all by encouraging workplaces to install charging for their employees. Clean Cities Georgia partnered with an Atlanta-based Energy Services Company (ESCO), Integrated Solutions, [PF1] to conduct a comprehensive assessment of RICE’s campus to determine the optimal strategy for implementing EV charging solutions. This critical first step enabled the organization to design a plan that supports both environmental sustainability and community access.

Key to the success of the project was support from Georgia Power’s Make Ready Program, which significantly reduced infrastructure costs by preparing the site for charging installation. This cost-saving initiative made the project more accessible and achievable for Russell Parking Management, which is deeply committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and community members.

In alignment with its values of equity and inclusion, RICE selected Integrated Solutions, a Black-woman-owned small business with deep expertise in EV infrastructure and a proven commitment, to expanding charging access in minority communities to lead the installation. This decision reflects RICE’s ongoing dedication to empowering underrepresented businesses and driving inclusive innovation.

The installation marks a transformative step for the surrounding communities which have, and still are, considered charging deserts, with six new charging ports available and one specially designed for ADA compliance. By offering charging services to both its customers and the general public, RICE is helping to close the EV access gap and contributing to a cleaner, more connected future for all.

With this installation, Clean Cities Georgia contributed to expanding the opportunity clean transportation adoption and workforce development at a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

Resources for Workplace Charging

EV 101

Workplace charging can provide a variety of benefits to your organization, adding value and increased employee engagment within your workplace. Learn more about workplace charging by viewing resources on EMPOWER’s website.

Pocket Guide to Workplace Charging

If you are considering installing chargers at your workplace, the Workplace Charging Pocket Guide is essential to understanding the key steps involved in successfully implementing this infrastructure.