Travelers can now stop at the Somerset-Pulaski County Visitor Center for access to a free electric vehicle charging station, helping welcome a growing number of EV drivers to the Lake Cumberland region, one of south-central Kentucky’s busiest tourism corridors.
The new Level 2 charger was installed with support from a $7,000 grant from the Mountain Association via General Motors, and the energy use will be offset by recent upgrades at the visitor center.
The project began after staff at Lake Cumberland Tourism noticed a recurring question from travelers.
“Over the years, we’ve had calls from travelers asking where they could charge, so when I learned about this funding, it felt worth exploring,” said Katie Colwell, assistant marketing director for Lake Cumberland Tourism. “We had a parking spot on the side of our lot that was almost never used. Turning it into a charging station was the perfect way to put that space to work for our visitors.”
After connecting with the Mountain Association in late 2025, Lake Cumberland Tourism worked with the Mountain Association’s Energy Team to evaluate potential charging options, identify funding opportunities, and find energy savings to offset the additional power use.
Mountain Association staff conducted a free energy assessment of the visitor center and found opportunities for efficiency upgrades, thanks to support from the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy. Through our partnership with Kentucky Utilities Small Business Direct Install Program, we were able to install more efficient lighting and smart thermostats for free. We also found ways to improve the facility’s building envelope and outdoor lighting as well as combining meters, which would eliminate meter fees.
“Our goal is to help communities find solutions that make economic sense,” said Hope Broecker, Mountain Association Energy Specialist. “Energy efficiency is often one of the easiest ways to lower expenses, and those savings can create opportunities for new investments like EV chargers that benefit residents and visitors alike.”
Level 2 chargers can provide meaningful vehicle range, but also give travelers time to grab a meal, shop at local businesses, or explore community attractions while their vehicle charges. The charger was installed by Solar Energy Living of Corbin.
The need for rural charging infrastructure continues to grow. EV registrations in Kentucky increased from approximately 11,000 in 2024 to 24,000 in 2025, with more than 5 million on the road throughout the US.
As more Kentuckians and visitors choose electric vehicles, accessible charging stations in small towns and rural destinations become increasingly important.
Learn more about EV chargers in Eastern Kentucky here.
