Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities to Facilitate EV Readiness Designations for Local Governments Through IREC Charging Smart Program

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 30, 2026) -- Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC), a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership, has been selected as a 2026 Charging Smart Regional Engagement Partner, bringing a new opportunity for local governments across Western Pennsylvania to receive free technical assistance and guidance as they prepare for the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure.

Led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) as part of the Energy Ready suite of programs, Charging Smart helps communities establish an actionable pathway toward becoming more EV-ready.  Through the program, participating local governments will identify and pursue practical policies, procedures and actions that can remove barriers to EV adoption and support the development of charging Infrastructure.

PRCC will facilitate the program for municipalities and local governments throughout its 33-county Western Pennsylvania region. Communities participating in the PRCC cohort will work toward Bronze, Silver or Gold Charging Smart designation by completing actions and earning points across key areas of EV readiness.

“Many communities are interested in exploring EV adoption but aren’t sure where to start,” said Lisa Iadicicco, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities.  “Charging Smart provides a clear framework, technical assistance and access to expertise that can help local governments turn that interest into practical action.”

Participating communities will receive guidance on topics including planning for EV adoption and charging infrastructure; utility engagement; regulations, zoning and permitting; education and incentives; government operations and fleet electrification; and shared mobility.

PRCC will host monthly meetings where participating communities can review Charging Smart criteria, learn from subject matter experts and explore proven approaches from other communities. The program also provides access to more than two dozen national and regional organizations with expertise in EVs and EV charging deployment.

As communities complete action items within each category, they earn points that contribute toward their Charging Smart designation. Designations generally take between three and 12 months to complete, with communities in the PRCC cohort working toward completion by June 30, 2027.

“Charging Smart is being offered as an extension of our successful Electrify Allegheny program with Duquesne Light Company and the Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT),” said Iadicicco.  “However, all municipalities and local governments in our 33-county region are eligible to participate.”

Communities interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend a virtual Charging Smart kick-off webinar on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will provide an overview of the program, its designation process and opportunities for local government participation. A limited number of spots are available in the final cohort. To register online, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Wm-kkmDaQl6iU6mtYtsCWw

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About Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities:

Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization first designated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 1995 as a member of its Transportation Technologies Office (TTO) Clean Cities and Communities partnership. The Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Coalition helps to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by supporting the transition to cleaner fueling options. PRCC’s mission is to advance the energy, economic and environmental security of the United States by reducing our reliance on petroleum, supporting local actions for clean fuel-transition and adoption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The organization is one of over 75 regionally based Clean Cities organizations coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy to fulfill this vision of a cleaner tomorrow. PRCC brings this network’s expertise to 33 counties in Western Pennsylvania and develops solutions based on a unique understanding of local needs, opportunities, and markets. In collaboration with key stakeholders across the State of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities also facilitates the Drive Electric PA Coalition (DEPA). For more information, please visit: http://www.pgh-cleancities.org and https://www.driveelectricpa.org.