Utility plans car charging stations in E. Wash.

SPOKANE — A power company that wants to install 265 charging stations in eastern Washington state is asking state regulators to approve a two-year pilot program that would expand electric vehicle use in the region.

Avista, in a request filed last month with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, cites environmental benefits, fuel cost savings and vehicle performance as benefits of the plan to put in electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSE.

“A comprehensive EVSE program aligns with state policy goals to achieve societal benefits, is responsive to customers, and addresses critical adoption barriers,” the company wrote in the request.

The company said work could begin in May if the plan is approved.

The company estimates it will cost about $3.1 million to put the charging stations in 120 homes, 100 work places and 45 public locations. Seven of the public locations would have fast-charging stations that take 15 to 20 minutes to replenish a battery.

It hasn’t yet been decided how the locations will be selected, said Avista spokeswoman Mary Tyrie.

About 12,000 electric vehicles are registered in the state, which has an Electric Vehicle Action Plan that calls for 50,000 electric vehicles by 2020.

Andrew Biviano, a local attorney and electric vehicle enthusiast, said there are poor options for charging stations with competition for existing stations making it a challenge. Additional charging stations, he said, could cause more drivers to see the benefits of electric vehicles.

“They’re incredibly cheap to operate, not only on gas but with maintenance,” Biviano told The Spokesman-Review. “You don’t have oil changes. Literally, you have to rotate the tires once a year and top off the wiper fluid. That’s it.”

He said it costs about $20 a month on electricity to travel 1,000 miles. Using a wall outlet at home, he said it takes 12 hours to get a charge to drive 60 miles.

Avista’s pilot program, with better technology, would charge batteries for a 30-mile drive in about two hours.

Avista generates about 48 percent of its power from dams and 6 percent from wind. About 35 percent comes from natural gas and 9 percent from coal.

“In addition to the near-term benefits of improved air quality, over the long term the electrification of the transportation sector will likely play a key role in the larger effort to reduce climate change risk,” Avista wrote in its document to state regulators.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

A salmon carcass lays across willow branches in Edgecomb Creek on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts

Court-ordered projects have sparked collaboration for salmon habitat restoration

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.