Salmon River Central School District is taking a proactive step toward electrifying its entire bus fleet. Recognizing the need for significant power capacity and scalable infrastructure, the district partnered with New York Power Authority (NYPA) & PlugIn Stations Online (PISO) to lay the groundwork for its transition to zero-emission transportation. With support from National Grid, InCharge Energy, and PowerOne Electrical Contracting, the project set out to ensure immediate and long-term charging capabilities. NYPA funded the dual-port charger installation and spare conduit through its environmental justice program, which provides services and programs for underserved communities that host its facilities.
Key Highlights
- Installed one dual-port 120kW DC Fast Charger.
- Designed and implemented a 1000 KVA electrical service to meet future load demands.
- Installed multiple spare conduits to reduce the scope of work for future charger additions.
Breaking Ground
PISO’s first step was ensuring sufficient electrical capacity could be brought to the site. The district needed immediate fast-charging capabilities while preparing for a phased fleet expansion over time. The challenge was to install enough power infrastructure now to avoid costly and disruptive upgrades down the road.
To meet these needs, PISO worked closely with National Grid to bring in the largest feasible new service to the location. After working with National Grid, a 1000 KVA service was approved and installed, along with a spare conduit, to support the addition of multiple chargers over time. This forward-thinking approach simplifies future installations and minimizes future construction needs.
Site Work
The project scope focused on building scalable infrastructure from the outset. PISO installed a dual-port 120kW DC Fast Charger to support Salmon River CSD’s current electric buses. Significant coordination with National Grid was required to bring future-ready power to the site during this phase. With the power service now in place and spare conduit installed, the district is positioned to expand its EV fleet without significant new construction.
This was PISO’s first project with Salmon River CSD however, PISO has worked extensively with NYPA, which played a key role in supporting the effort. PISO’s expertise in EV infrastructure planning, installation, and utility coordination was critical to the success of this foundational project.
Looking Ahead
With the power infrastructure and initial charging station now complete, Salmon River CSD is ready to expand its electric fleet in phases. Future charger installations will be significantly streamlined thanks to the surplus capacity and pre-installed conduit. This project marks an important milestone in the district’s clean transportation goals and sets the stage for a smooth and cost-effective transition to electric school buses.
Interested in preparing your school district or organization for fleet electrification? Connect with PISO, your trusted partner in building scalable and sustainable EV infrastructure.