NE Washington News

Those visiting the Pend Oreille Public Utility District (PUD)'s Newport Administration Building can charge their electric cars for free at the new SemaConnect EV charging stations.

Two SemaConnect Series 6 charging stations have been installed at PUD's Newport office. They are compatible with all electric cars in North America according to EINPresswire. Through the SemaConnect open network, drivers can view live station status on the SemaConnect or PlugShare mobile apps or access directions using Google Maps. No EV charging network membership is required to use the station. All EV drivers have to do is plug in.

Electricity for the year-long pilot program will be paid for by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. SemaConnect will monitor the stations and provide customer support. PUD will access SemaConnect's reports on station usage, energy consumption, and carbon offset.

“Electric vehicles are growing in Washington, and we’ve been looking for  new ways to support our community in 2020,” said Amber Gifford,  communications, contracts, and conservation manager at Pend Oreille  County PUD Number 1. “Our new SemaConnect charging stations are the  latest in our community improvements, and we’re excited to put Newport  on the map."

“Electric cars first came to Seattle, and now they’re driving to Eastern  Washington,” said Eric Smith, sales manager at SemaConnect. “Public  charging stations are essential for statewide and national adoption. EV  drivers need a place to charge when exploring their states or traveling  for the holidays, and now Newport, Washington will be an essential stop  along the way. Pend Oreille PUD is setting an example for other rural  communities and utilities that are looking for ways to attract visitors,  serve their communities, and reduce carbon emissions. We’re honored to  be Pend Oreille PUD’s choice for EV charging in 2020.”