Community partnerships and outreach
Working together, we can help make the transition to electric transportation happen – raising awareness and accessibility for all. See below and email electrictransportation@avistacorp.com if you’re interested in participating and get more involved supporting TE in your community.
Electric transportation can provide impactful, low-cost and sustainable ways to serve those in need with services, such as non-emergency medical services, food deliveries, and ride-sharing. Not everyone can afford a personal vehicle, but by partnering with local service agencies and non-profits, to provide benefits to disadvantaged groups, we can make a difference. Programs may include:
- Providing EVs and charging infrastructure for community service organizations
- Installing low-cost charging infrastructure in under-served communities including rural towns, low-income multi-unit dwellings, and to residential customers receiving low-income bill assistance;
- Implementing pilot programs with public transit agencies, school districts and/or transportation network company (TNC) platforms; and
- Testing out innovative ride-sharing and car-sharing services for low-income communities and individuals.
While most EV charging may be accomplished overnight and at other times when vehicles are parked for long periods of time, a network of public chargers are needed for the occasional longer trip or for convenience in populated areas. In coordination with the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, local municipalities, and the Washington State Department of Transportation, Avista is supporting the prioritized buildout of DC public chargers along major travel corridors and populated areas. Avista will own and maintain a backbone of public charging infrastructure in the region, while encouraging private investment through “make ready” allowances covering the average cost of utility supply infrastructure and new commercial time-of-use (TOU) electric billing rates.
See www.plugshare.com for a map of currently available public chargers.
$2.5 million awarded to the Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) for charging infrastructure buildout
The SRTC recently applied for and received a $2.5 million grant from Washington State’s Clean Energy Fund for charging infrastructure buildout in Spokane County, supported by matching funds from Avista and STA.
This funding will help accelerate EV adoption across the region, with key public charging installed along major travel corridors and population centers, support for electric transit, public fleet electrification, and disadvantaged communities.
A broad coalition of stakeholders collaborated to develop a robust, regional plan including:
- SRTC
- Avista
- STA
- Urbanova
- The U-District
- The Spokane Tribe
- Spokane International Airport
- Spokane Library
- The Cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, and Liberty Lake
As electric transportation evolves, Avista can help provide residential and commercial customers with the latest information, trends, and options – so that customers can make informed decisions with less effort. This is accomplished through a variety of information channels including online, mailers, webinars, and informational presentations. If you would like to help coordinate an informational presentation or webinar for your organization, contact us at electrictransportation@avistacorp.com.
See the links below for additional information, educational events and resources:
Ride & Drives are a great way to meet local drivers, take a ride or drive an EV! Register and/or volunteer for the next local event during National Drive Electric Week!