Dear Mayor Nash, Members of the City Council, City Manager Murphy, and Sustainability Team,
I am a Belle Haven resident and a frequent user of the EV charging stations at the Belle Haven Community Campus. I recently saw the posted notice advising that charging rates will increase effective July 1, 2026, to $0.41/kWh for Level 2 charging and $0.51/kWh for Level 3 charging.
As both a community member and a customer who relies on these chargers, I am concerned about the size of this increase and the lack of information provided to residents regarding how these rates were determined.
The Belle Haven Community Campus was built to serve the community, and the EV chargers are an important amenity for residents who do not have access to home charging. For many of us, public charging is not simply a convenience. It is a necessity.
What concerns me most is that the posted notice provides no explanation for the increase, no comparison to current rates, no information regarding the Citys operating costs, and no indication that affordability impacts on Belle Haven residents were considered.
I would appreciate a written response to the following questions:
• What analysis was used to determine the new rates of $0.41/kWh and $0.51/kWh?
• How much do these rates represent as a percentage increase over the current pricing structure?
• What are the Citys actual operating and maintenance costs for these chargers?
• Were affordability impacts on Belle Haven residents evaluated prior to approving this increase?
• Were alternative approaches considered, such as phased increases, reduced rates for local residents, or discounted community pricing?
• How does this increase support the Citys stated goals around sustainability, environmental justice, and equitable access to public infrastructure?
Belle Haven residents have long advocated for investment in our neighborhood, and the Community Campus stands as one of the Citys most visible commitments to that effort. It is disappointing to see a significant increase to a community-serving amenity without any accompanying explanation or outreach to the residents who rely on it.
I respectfully request a written response and ask that the City reconsider whether this increase appropriately balances cost recovery with affordability and accessibility for the community it was intended to serve.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Karina Arredondo
Belle Haven Resident
