WILLIAMSPORT, MD – Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, has installed two new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Flintstone, Allegany County.
The charging stations, situated off Interstate 68 at the Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, form a part of Potomac Edison’s EV Driven pilot program. This program, initiated following a 2019 approval by the Public Service Commission of Maryland, aims to promote EV usage by increasing accessibility to charging facilities. Potomac Edison has made significant strides in the initiative, installing over 44 of the 59 charging stations pledged, including 20 fast-charging units.
Lindsey Wilkinson, director of Emerging Technology at FirstEnergy, highlighted the strategic placement of the Rocky Gap chargers, emphasizing their role in bolstering the public charging infrastructure and furthering Maryland’s electrification efforts.
The newly installed DC fast chargers, located on state park grounds, offer an expedient charging solution where customers can achieve an 80% battery charge within approximately an hour, depending on the vehicle’s specifications.
Eric Barfield, director of facilities at Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, commented on the synergy between the charging station’s location and the resort’s amenities, providing a seamless experience for EV users to recharge their vehicles and enjoy the local attractions simultaneously.
The EV Driven program aligns with Maryland’s environmental targets, including the goal to have 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025, thereby contributing to a reduction in auto emissions.
Sarah Milbourne, the acting western region manager at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts toward environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of supporting infrastructure that can help mitigate carbon emissions.