By Liam Sullivan

The agreement will make Highland’s full suite of school bus electrification services available to PowerOptions’ Members

Boston and Beverly, MA – May 14, 2024 — PowerOptions, the largest energy consortium in New England, has selected Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus electrification-as-a-service in North America, to deliver turnkey school bus fleet electrification services to its members. With this agreement, PowerOptions Members will have a new procurement alternative to enable faster deployment of electric school buses.

“There are significant challenges for communities and school systems in transitioning to electric school buses, including extensive equipment and infrastructure demands and the necessity for specialized expertise,” said Walter Gray, PowerOptions’ program manager for solar and EV charging. “This new program with Highland streamlines the process, making it easier for nonprofits throughout New England to adopt electrification.” Highland was selected in a competitive procurement based on its experience, qualifications, and pricing. The program agreement provides multiple benefits to PowerOptions members, including saving time by not having to run their own RFPs for EV fleet and supply equipment; saving money by leveraging competitive pricing; and reducing risk by using PowerOptions’ pre-negotiated contract.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with PowerOptions to make cleaner, healthier transportation a reality for an increasing number of communities,” said Amy McGuire, Senior Director of Market Development at Highland. “Electrification should be accessible for all, and together we are reducing the complexity it takes for organizations to get there.”

On May 14th, experts from PowerOptions and Highland presented the new program to 22 MetroWest communities at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s (MAPC) School Fleet Electrification Workshop. MAPC served as an advisor to PowerOptions in crafting the RFP and also served on the selection committee that chose Highland.

Highland’s solutions include both full-service, turnkey fleet electrification and depot electrification (EV supply equipment and charging services) – all for a fixed, annual fee over 8–15-year contracts. With PowerOptions, Highland will now deploy both its school bus fleet and depot electrification services product for the nonprofit’s members in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

About PowerOptions

For 25 years PowerOptions has reduced the cost, carbon, and complexity of energy for nonprofits and is now the largest energy consortium in New England. With more than 500 members of every size and sector across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, PowerOptions has the market strength to negotiate very competitive prices and the member demand to drive innovation. Any nonprofit or public entity is eligible to join and access our programs for electricity and natural gas procurement, turnkey solar, clean transportation, sustainability planning and implementation, data analytics, and advisory services. For more information, go to www.poweroptions.org.

Media Contacts

Chris Orlando | Highland
Liam Sullivan | PowerOptions

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