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Energy Northwest brings EV station online in Naches

News Release

RICHLAND, Wash. – Electric vehicle (EV) drivers traveling U.S. Highway 12 can stop for a quick boost at the new charging station in Naches, Washington. The recently completed station includes a 50kW direct current fast charger (Level 3 DCFC) and a 7.2kW Level 2 charger at the Clemens View Sports Complex at 8894 U.S. Highway 12.

Located 12 miles west of Yakima, Naches now has the only Level 3 charger for drivers on U.S. Highway 12 between Naches and Interstate 5. Level 3 fast chargers can charge a battery electric vehicle from empty to 80% in 20-60 minutes.

The charging station, which is owned and operated by Energy Northwest, is accessible to the public at all times with dedicated EV parking spaces and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. The project was supported by a $50,000 grant from Pacific Power, which was awarded to Energy Northwest in May 2020 as part of Pacific Power's commitment to help customers and communities take advantage of cost-saving, clean benefits of electric mobility.

Energy Northwest, a Washington state joint operating agency that owns and operates a 100% carbon-free electricity-generating portfolio, began involvement with EV charging infrastructure in 2016.

“We've seen the demand for charging station infrastructure increase as more people switch to electric cars," said Tanya Dion, Energy Northwest project developer. “Installing chargers in places like Highway 12 in Naches, which the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) identifies as an underserved corridor, has helped fill the gaps and ultimately helps reduce range anxiety for drivers."  

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is the largest contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 27% of total U.S. emissions in 2020. Within the transportation sector, 57% of emissions come from passenger cars and light-duty trucks, and 26% of emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Washington's energy strategy recommends rapid electrification of all transportation markets to meet Washington's emission reduction goals for the transportation sector, aligning with Energy Northwest's vision to lead the clean energy transformation for the regional public power community. Earlier this year, Energy Northwest also received a $1.4 million grant from WSDOT, and intends to network several charging station locations along U.S. Highway 12 to better serve EV drivers and the communities located along these routes.

The Naches station is Energy Northwest's 11th charging location in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Transportation Alliance (EVITA) project's network, with 10 additional stations in or nearing the construction phase. The 12th project, located at 2929 Melrose St. in Walla Walla, will open later this winter.


About Energy Northwest                                                                                                    
Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, solar, battery storage and wind projects – and the Northwest's only nuclear power facility. These projects provide carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation – enough clean, cost-effective and reliable energy to power more than a million homes each year. As an independent joint operating agency of Washington state, Energy Northwest comprises 28 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million customers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members' needs. 

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