PRESS RELEASE: Portland City Council approves Councilor Eric Zimmerman’s Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Ordinance

(PORTLAND, ORE.) - Portland City Council approves Councilor Eric Zimmerman's Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Ordinance, establishing new workforce training standards for City-funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects.

The ordinance requires that electricians working on City-funded EV charging projects, including those supported by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), be supervised by or work alongside an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)-certified electrician whenever electrical installation work is being performed.

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) is an industry-recognized certification developed in collaboration with EV charging manufacturers, utilities, educational institutions, and electrical industry professionals to provide specialized training in electric vehicle charging system installation.

"The State passed similar legislation, which took effect in January 2024, requiring State-funded EV charging projects to meet these certification standards," said Councilor Eric Zimmerman. "My ordinance holds City-funded EV charging projects to those same standards."

The ordinance supports workforce development by encouraging electricians to obtain EVITP certification, strengthening apprenticeship opportunities, and preparing Portland's electrical workforce to meet the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure. It also helps ensure publicly funded charging stations are installed safely, responsibly, and correctly.

The ordinance received unanimous support from all City Councilors present.

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