Driving the Future: How Orange & Rockland Is Powering the EV Transition

The shift toward electric transportation is no longer a distant vision. It’s unfolding right now across neighborhoods, businesses, and communities in Orange & Rockland’s (“O&R”) service territory. As more drivers make the decision to plug in rather than fuel up, the infrastructure and incentives that support this evolution are becoming essential pieces of the energy landscape.

O&R is offering incentive programs to make that transition more accessible. From helping businesses install qualified charging stations to rewarding residents for charging their vehicles when it benefits the grid most, these programs are designed to reduce the financial barriers that often come with electrification. With more than 300,000 customers across the region, participation continues to grow – and the opportunity to get involved remains open

For many, the motivation to go electric stems from different places: sustainability goals, long-term savings, or simply the appeal of driving cleaner. Whatever the reason, O&R’s programs offer tangible ways to make those choices easier, both for businesses and homeowners.

Empowering Business Electrification

Across the region, more companies are integrating electric vehicles into their operations. It’s part of a broader movement toward sustainable business practices and smarter long-term planning. To support this, O&R offers a suite of programs that help offset infrastructure costs and reward off-peak charging, making EV adoption not only good for the planet, but practical for the bottom line.

The SmartCharge Commercial Program stands out as one of the most dynamic tools available. Designed for public sites, workplaces, fleets, and multifamily dwellings, it offers quarterly incentives for charging during off-peak hours. From midnight to 8 a.m., participants earn $0.03 per kWh, with opportunities to earn more by avoiding substation peak periods.

Laurie Lepek, a Clean Energy Lead at O&R, explains how these programs can be combined to maximize impact. “In a multi-unit dwelling, a management company may operate commercial chargers for residents. The management company can earn incentives through SmartCharge Commercial while their residents earn incentives through SmartCharge NY – both benefiting when they avoid charging during peak hours.”

Diana Sefick, Grid Efficient Charging Section Manager of O&R’s E-Mobility department, adds that “SmartCharge Commercial is designed to support all types of charging sites, from public and multi-unit dwellings to fleet and private commercial chargers. With over 70 accounts already enrolled, we’re seeing how easy it is for customers to maximize incentives, especially when combining programs.”

Making Infrastructure Accessible

Installing chargers can be one of the biggest hurdles to electrification, especially for commercial and fleet operators. O&R’s PowerReady Program helps address that challenge by offsetting up to 100% of the electric infrastructure costs for Level 2 or DC fast chargers. The initiative aims to make it easier and more affordable to prepare sites for EV charging, empowering businesses to take part in building a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Brendan Gallagher, O&R Clean Energy Manager, noted, “We have about 200 more plugs to contract in the Level 2 side of the program before the incentive level drops from $5,000 per plug to $3,000 per plug.” It’s a reminder that progress is moving quickly, and the timing for participation is ideal.
Daniel FitzPatrick, Section Manager of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure at O&R, emphasized the program’s role in accelerating deployment across the region: “PowerReady is designed to remove the upfront complexity and cost that can slow down charger installations. By supporting the infrastructure behind the scenes, we’re enabling customers to focus on expanding access to reliable, future-ready charging where it’s needed most.”

Supporting Residential Charging

The movement toward electrification isn’t just happening in commercial fleets – it’s expanding across driveways and garages too. O&R’s ChargerReady for Home Program helps New Jersey residents make residential EV charging more affordable by covering a portion of the “make-ready” costs for installing Level 2 chargers. The program provides up to 50% of customer-side costs (up to $1,000) and 100% of required utility upgrades (up to $5,000).

Jeremy Scott, Clean Energy Manager, shared, “Even if you don’t yet own an electric vehicle, incentives are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. With the program set to end on December 18, 2026, customers are encouraged to take advantage while funds remain available.” Already, more than 640 Level 2 chargers have been installed through the program, marking steady progress toward a more electrified future.

Rewarding Smarter Charging Habits

For individual drivers, O&R’s SmartCharge New York Program offers a simple, rewarding way to make charging smarter. Participants connect their vehicle or charger through a secure platform powered by ev.energy, and then they earn cash while charging between midnight and 8 a.m. This helps drivers earn monthly rewards while supporting grid reliability.

In a recent SmartCharge New York survey, many participants described the program as “easy” and effective. One driver shared, “The program helps offset the additional electricity bill compared to what I used to spend on gas before switching to a plug-in hybrid.” It’s a small example of how personal choices connect to larger energy goals.

The Bigger Picture

These programs aren’t just about financial incentives – they’re about shaping how communities think about energy, transportation, and sustainability. Each charger installed and each off-peak session contributes to a more resilient grid and a cleaner environment.

As electric vehicles become a defining part of modern mobility, the partnerships between utilities, businesses, and drivers will determine how seamlessly this transition unfolds. Orange & Rockland’s initiatives reflect a commitment not only to innovation but to collaboration – a recognition that the path to electrification is one we travel together.

Andrew Farrell, Director of E-Mobility at O&R, reflected on the long-term vision behind the work: “Electrification is about more than just technology – it's about people, partnerships, and planning for the future. By working together with our customers and communities, we’re building an energy system that’s cleaner, smarter, and ready for what comes next.”