Redwood City, CA — Today, WestLight Energy debuted the largest multi-family home EV charging retrofit project in California, and the second largest in the nation, at Peninsula Pines Apartments in South San Francisco. By emphasizing affordable Level 1 EV chargers at residences instead of more expensive Level 2 and DC chargers, WestLight Energy has found a cost-effective way to provide individual charging ports to all of the apartment’s 200+ residents. This replicable, cost-effective model expands EV access to underserved populations while advancing climate goals and bringing California closer to its EV and transportation electrification targets.
“The Peninsula Pines project is a direct application of WestLight’s ‘right charger, right place’ strategy — widespread Level 1 charging where it fits, complemented by Level 2 and DC fast chargers where higher capacity is needed,” said Shawn Marshall, CEO of WestLight Energy. “At Peninsula Pines, that approach meant dedicated charging for every resident at a fraction of the typical cost. It’s a scalable blueprint for multifamily EV charging that makes electric vehicle ownership more accessible and moves California closer to its transportation electrification goals.”
“Too often, renters and lower-income families are left behind in the transition to electric vehicles because they lack access to affordable charging,” said Marty Medina, Chair of the WestLight Energy Board of Directors. “Expanding access to Level 1 charging can lower transportation costs by half, making EV ownership a practical option for more households. When charging is accessible where people live, more families can confidently make the switch from gas-powered vehicles.”
This project was made possible through WestLight Energy’s EV Ready Program, which provides EV charging technical assistance and funding to building owners across San Mateo County and Los Banos. The out-of-pocket costs for building owners are typically minimal, both due to funding available through WestLight Energy’s program and through the reliance on Level 1 chargers, which are typically up to ¼ the cost of high-capacity chargers.
Elected officials from across the state joined to celebrate this milestone and speak to the project’s importance as a state and national model for meeting EV charging goals.
“Expanding access to reliable, affordable charging at apartments is essential to making California’s transition to electric vehicles work for every community,” said Nancy Skinner, California Energy Commission Commissioner. “This project shows how practical charging solutions can make EVs more accessible to residents of apartment buildings offering a model that other communities can follow.”
“Projects like this demonstrate a practical approach to expanding EV charging access and an important affordability fix: bringing on new load without requiring costly or time-consuming grid upgrades can help lower rates for all customers,” said Matthew Baker, California Public Utilities Commissioner.
“Climate action should make daily life easier and cheaper. By bringing chargers directly to apartment communities, we’re meeting residents where they’re at while cutting costs and emissions at the same time,” said South San Francisco Councilmember James Coleman. “This project proves that climate solutions can be both practical and affordable.”
GoPower was WestLight Energy’s technical partner that developed the project, provided all charging equipment, and conducted the EV charger installation, and will operate and maintain it for the benefit of the residents.
“Apartment charging should be convenient where you park, affordable, and available to every resident who needs it,” said John Reister, founder and CEO of GoPower. “This project shows that by designing charging around how people actually park and drive, we can serve more residents, avoid unnecessary infrastructure costs, and make large-scale apartment charging practical today.”
Property owners in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos can contact WestLight Energy to explore installing EV chargers at their own buildings, an amenity that can help attract residents and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please visit https://www.westlightenergy.org/business/rebates-offers-business/ev-ready-program/.
About WestLight Energy
WestLight Energy is a public agency and the official electricity provider for the communities of San Mateo County and Los Banos. Founded in 2016 with a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agency serves 314,000 households and businesses by providing 50 percent renewable and 100 percent clean energy at a lower cost than PG&E. WestLight Energy makes significant investments in its communities to expand access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Over the last decade, WestLight has saved customers $226M, provided $30M in electric vehicles and electric appliance rebates and no-interest loans, reinvested more than $100M into the community, and advocated for state-wide green energy policies. In 2026, WestLight Energy marked its tenth anniversary and launched its next decade working toward a fossil-free future where everyone thrives through clean energy that’s accessible and affordable to all. Learn more at WestLightEnergy.org.
