Top Stories of 2017: Rosalia charging station on line

Rosalia officially became the first community in Whitman County to have an electric vehicle charging station. Avista Utilities, which installed a slow charger and a DC Fast Charger at the former gas station, commissioned the electric station Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Mayor Nanette Konishi said she was pleased with the turnout.

Joining those in attendance were owners of three Teslas, a Nissan Leaf, a Chevy Volt and a Toyota Prius. All were plugged in at the station during the event at one point or another.

The charging stations are expected to draw motorists into Rosalia.

Use of the slow charger is free, and the DC Fast Charger costs 30 cents per minute. A 15-minute charge would cost $4.50.

Rosalia was chosen as one of the pilot communities for Avista’s project, which is a two-year pilot. Avista plans to install seven electric charging stations at strategic locations.