Avista Launches Robust Transportation Electrification Programs

Rhea-AI Summary

Avista's Transportation Electrification Plan (TE Plan) has received approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. This plan focuses on building charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which includes incentives for charging equipment and support for low-income communities. Programs aim to reduce transportation costs and CO2 emissions while optimizing electric load growth. Customers can fuel EVs using Avista's clean electricity for under $1 per gallon equivalent, significantly lowering emissions by 80%. Various resources and applications are available on Avista's website.

Positive

• Approval of TE Plan by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
• Focus on building extensive charging infrastructure for public and fleet use.
• Support for low-income and underserved communities.
• Potential reduction in transportation costs and significant environmental benefits.
• Opportunity to optimize electric load growth, keeping electricity rates affordable.

Negative

• None.

While laying the foundation for growth through charging infrastructure and other customer programs, Avista sees electric transportation bringing value to customers today and in the future.

SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission recently approved programs outlined in Avista’s Transportation Electrification Plan (TE Plan), building off the learnings from the pilot programs started in 2016. The comprehensive TE Plan includes a regional buildout for public, workplace and fleet charging infrastructure, incorporating charging equipment incentives with specific attention to load management and grid optimization. Low-income and underserved community programs are a top priority as is support for its Washington business customers’ goals around fleet electrification, supported by consulting services, commercial EV rates and electric forklift incentives.

These services and programs are now underway and available for Washington electric customers. As Avista continues to plan and adapt for the future, these programs support beneficial growth in electric transportation for both residential and business customers, resulting in lower transportation costs, significant environmental benefits, and the opportunity to optimize electric load growth with the grid in a way that can help keep electricity rates affordable for all customers over the long-term.

“Avista’s electric transportation offerings represent a positive outcome for our customers and the company,” said Rendall Farley, electric transportation manager at Avista. “For example, you can drive a passenger EV fueled by Avista’s clean electricity for less than $1 per gallon equivalent with zero tailpipe emissions, reducing total CO₂ emissions by 80%, and providing the utility with beneficial off-peak load that can help keep electricity rates affordable for everyone in the long run.”

More information about the various programs, online tools such as vehicle make and model savings calculator or to find applications for participation are available at myavista.com/transportation.

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 400,000 customers and natural gas to 367,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million.  Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com.

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation.
SOURCE: Avista Corporation

To unsubscribe from Avista’s news release distribution, send a reply message to lena.funston@avistacorp.com

Contact:                                                                   
Media: Mary Tyrie mary.tyrie@avistacorp.com  
Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174

FAQ

What is Avista's Transportation Electrification Plan (TE Plan)?

The TE Plan is a comprehensive initiative approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to build charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, including incentives for charging equipment.

How does Avista's TE Plan benefit customers?

The TE Plan aims to reduce transportation costs, lower carbon emissions, and optimize electric load growth, which can help keep electricity rates affordable.

What are the environmental benefits of using Avista's electricity for EVs?

Using Avista's clean electricity to fuel electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%.

Where can customers find more information about Avista’s electric transportation programs?

Customers can find more information and applications for participation on Avista's website at myavista.com/transportation.

When was the TE Plan approved?

The TE Plan was approved on August 3, 2021.