RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest and Columbia Basin College (CBC) are pleased to announce the successful installation of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station located in the Student Recreation Center parking lot on CBC’s Pasco campus.
Funded in part by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, the project includes four Level 2 EV charging ports. The installation is the result of a collaborative effort between Energy Northwest and CBC, with both organizations contributing to project costs. Energy Northwest led the coordination, construction, and installation of the stations and will retain ownership.
This project reflects Energy Northwest’s ongoing commitment to expanding EV infrastructure as part of its broader sustainability strategy. By increasing access to charging, the organization aims to reduce carbon emissions and support cleaner, more efficient transportation options for residents and visitors.
“Sustainability is a core value of CBC. Partnerships like this help the College amplify that value and support our faculty, staff, and students who drive electric vehicles,” said Rebekah S. Woods, President, Columbia Basin College.
The initiative also highlights the value of partnerships in advancing Washington’s clean energy and transportation goals. By addressing a gap in on-campus charging availability, the new stations provide added convenience for EV drivers while supporting local economic activity.
The charging stations became fully operational in May and are accessible through the ChargePoint and PlugShare mobile apps, making it easy for drivers to locate and use them.
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Media Contacts
Kelly Rae, Energy Northwest
klrae@energy-northwest.com
Elizabeth Burtner, Columbia Basin College
eburtner@columbiabasin.edu
About Energy Northwest:
Energy Northwest is a Washington state public power joint operating agency and a premier provider of carbon-free electricity. Energy Northwest comprises public power member utilities serving more than 1.5 million customers, and provides its members and regional customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective, responsible power generation and innovative energy and business solutions. The agency owns and operates hydroelectric, solar, battery storage, wind and the Northwest’s only nuclear power facility. Energy Northwest also actively supports transportation electrification and new generation projects to the benefit of public power.
About Columbia Basin College:
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare, Community Health, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Health Physics, Project Management, Respiratory Therapy, Software Development, and Administration Teacher Education. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Computer Science. www.columbiabasin.edu