Sterling residents eligible for electric car incentives
By Danielle Ray Item Correspondent
Posted July 28, 2017
STERLING - The Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD) is continuing its green efforts by partnering with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Energy Company (MMWEC) and Nissan North America to promote the 2017 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. SMLD employees and customers are eligible for a special rebate of up to $10,000 on the environmentally-friendly vehicle, as well as federal and state tax incentives on top of that.
“This is a great deal,” said SMLD General Manager Sean Hamilton. “Getting in on the ground floor is important, and this rebate gives our ratepayers and employees the opportunity to own a car like this.”
Hamilton said the promotion of the Nissan Leaf aligns with the “progressive endeavors” the SMLD has pursued in recent years to be on the cutting edge of alternative energy sources, and to keep up with the changing power industry, all of which he said the SMLD Board fully supports.
“I think electric vehicles are going to be part of the culture,” Hamilton said. “We are trying to keep up with technology, as it is changing so quickly.”
The SMLD has been at the top of the power industry nationally in areas such as solar power and battery storage, a feat which Hamilton credits the entire SMLD team with and the hard work they all put in.
“It’s fun to come to work,” he said.
The SMLD will be hosting a test drive of the 2017 Nissan Leaf at Chocksett Middle School on Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. The Leaf has a range of up to 107 miles on its 30 kWh battery, does not require gasoline or oil changes, and has an eight year/100,000 mile limited battery warranty.
The SMLD also offers charger rebates and off-peak rates for charging purposes, and with the rebate and tax incentives, one could own the 2017 Nissan Leaf, with an MSRP of $30,680, for as little as $10,000. The offer expires Sept. 30, or while supplies last.
For information, visit www.munihelps.org or call the SMLD at (978) 422-8267.