Utilities across the country are investing in transportation electrification programs, incentives, and infrastructure. Yet one challenge remains consistent: how do you increase participation and ensure communities are aware of and connected to these opportunities?
At REACH Strategies, we’ve found that Transportation Electrification Plans (TEPs) are one of the most effective tools for bridging that gap.
A TURNKEY MODEL FOR TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION PLANNING
REACH has developed a practical, scalable model that manages the entire TEP process—from community outreach and stakeholder engagement to plan development and implementation support.
Our team works directly with mayors, city managers, public works directors, and other local officials to identify transportation electrification opportunities that align with each community’s unique needs and priorities.
HOW THE REACH MODEL WORKS
A key factor behind the success of our Transportation Electrification Planning program is its simplicity and scalability.
Rather than asking local governments to navigate electrification planning on their own, REACH serves as an extension of the community’s team. We manage outreach, stakeholder coordination, data collection, plan development, and implementation guidance, significantly reducing the burden on municipal staff.
The process typically includes three structured meetings with community leaders:
- Discovery Meeting: Understand community goals, existing transportation assets, fleet needs, and infrastructure opportunities.
- Plan Development: REACH develops a customized Transportation Electrification Plan, identifying priority projects, available utility programs, funding opportunities, and next steps.
- Final Review: Community leaders review the plan, provide feedback, and discuss implementation opportunities.
This streamlined approach allows communities to receive a customized, actionable roadmap while investing only a few hours of staff time throughout the process.
PROVEN RESULTS ACROSS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Between 2024 and 2025, REACH successfully delivered:
- 80 Transportation Electrification Plans
- 100% of plans delivered on time and under budget
- Support for communities ranging from fewer than 10,000 residents to cities with more than 30,000 residents
- 47.5% of plans completed for income-eligible communities
These plans have already led to meaningful electrification projects and investments throughout the region.
FROM PLANNING TO IMPLEMENTATION
Transportation Electrification Plans are designed to create actionable outcomes. Examples of implementation efforts include:
- City of Herrin: Added an all-electric pickup truck to its municipal fleet, supporting cleaner operations and reducing fuel costs.
- City of Marion: Purchased an electric shuttle van to enhance municipal transportation services.
- Village of Sauget: Installed public EV charging infrastructure and added an electric police vehicle to its fleet.
- City of Aledo: Installed multiple public Level 2 charging stations at City Hall, local parks, and library parking facilities, expanding public charging access throughout the community.
A LOW-BURDEN PROCESS FOR MUNICIPAL STAFF
One of the greatest advantages of the REACH model is its efficiency.
Most Transportation Electrification Plans can be completed within two to four months and require only about three hours of municipal staff time throughout the entire process. Our team manages outreach, coordination, plan development, and implementation guidance, allowing local leaders to stay focused on their day-to-day responsibilities.
If you’re interested in learning more about the REACH model and how it can help accelerate participation across your electrification programs, we’d welcome the opportunity to start a conversation.
