Shorepower Technologies and Cascade Sierra Solutions are offering 1,300 free connector kits that allow drivers to plug in to power pedestals at truckstops and other locations.

The kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a limit of 25 connector kits per truck operator or fleet.

The connector kit consists of an electrical receptacle for mounting on the exterior of the truck cab, a cab interior 120-volt AC outlet and wiring harness, an on-off switch and a ground fault circuit interrupter.

Once the connector kit is installed, drivers can use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect a power pedestal at a truckstop parking space to the exterior receptacle. Inside the cab, 120-volt AC outlets provide convenient places to plug in items such as portable heaters, microwaves, laptop computers and DVD players.

Shorepower Technologies offers plug-in service at $1 an hour. Cable television is also included where available, and Internet service will be available at many locations for an additional charge.

Fleets are allowed to self-install by an ASE certified technician, but independent operators must have the kits installed at an authorized service center. Participants must agree to use Shorepower Technologies' service at any of its locations within 12 months of installation of the connector kit.

The connector kits are being provided through the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project, which is also installing plug-in sites at 50 truckstops in the U.S. and providing rebates on purchase of shore power capable idle reduction equipment.

"Connector kits are a great introduction to the benefits of plug-in power," says Alan Bates, vice president of marketing with Shorepower Technologies. "We believe that as drivers and vehicle owners see how easy it is to use this service, and how quickly they reap financial rewards from it, they'll make even greater use of it and want to add more anti-idling equipment that plugs in to inexpensive grid power."

For more information on the program, and a list of locations at which the connector kits are available, go to www.shorepower.com.