Public Charging in Helena, Montana

There is little opportunity to publicly charge my Leaf here in Helena, Montana.  The more running around town I do the more I like the possibility of charging outside the house, so I compiled an incredibly brief and incomplete list of places at which I've wanted to charge.  A shout out to local restaurant Suds Hut and to car seller Lithia Chevrolet...the only two in town to offer public EV charging.

At work
No dice.  I work at a public school so there's the legitimate question of using taxpayer dollars for any purpose-- even microwaving your lunch.  I have asked for my district's formal policy regarding employee electricity use but I suspect it is sparse or may not provide the kind of direct guidance needed for EV drivers.  I would be very curious to know how school districts nationally are answering this question.

I might suggest a legislative fix for the EV and public institution question.  The money needed for EV charging stations is not huge. Making the change from exhaust-belching cars to fume-free cars is worth the trouble.

Walmart offers 120V
This is a frequent grocery stop for me since it lies between me and work.  It's only 120V, but I still have managed up to an hour of charge.   As I wrote before, I enjoy the fact that the longer I spend in Walmart, the more it helps charge my car.  This is not me taking something for nothing from Walmart; the more I linger the more I will spend!  Moreover I prefer going to this store over its competitors because they offer a unique service.

I should note that Walmart probably never intended to help the EV owner with these outlets...they likely provided them as a service to Montanans with block-heaters.  This would explain why the outlets are only 120V and not energized year-round.   The outlets are located in the East parking lot.

Gread Divide Ski Area
I emailed the kind folks at Great Divide, and, although they theoretically support EV drivers, they do not offer any charging of any kind.  

Capital City Health Club
My family has a membership here and they do not offer any charging at this time.

Conclusion
Although there is little opportunity here for public charging, I suspect that will start to change soon. Merchants may find it is a little bit like wi-fi: if you build it they will come.  Supporting EV charging with front-row parking spots gives the business a good public image for not a lot of money, and also helps attract the growing number of customers that can plug in their cars.