Burns Unveils First of Three Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative celebrated its first of three planned electric vehicle charging stations in Burns. The first charging station was unveiled in downtown Burns on Feb. 27, and the additional two stations are planned for Baker City and John Day later this year.

From left: Ramona Hofman with Harney County Opportunity Team, Lea Gettle, OTEC’s manager of administration and strategic services, Harney County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lola Johnson, OTEC director of engineering, Susie Snyder, OTEC’s supervisor of energy programs, and Eric Wirfs, OTEC’s director of member services. Photo courtesy of Randy Parks.

“Our region is an ideal place to own an EV, as more than 94 percent of our power we buy from BPA is carbon-free, 84.5 percent of which is hydroelectric,” Charlie Tracy, OTEC’s director of engineering, said. “When you drive an EV, you are trading fossil fuels like gas and diesel with energy coming from clean energy mix while saving money.”

Burns is in rural Southeastern Oregon and can now encourage EV travelers to explore the area while charging their vehicle. The OTEC hopes this will boost the local economy.

Read more in Burns Times-Herald.

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