Puget Sound Energy expands EV charging accessibility with multiple Redmond projects

PSE and the City of Redmond show how local partnerships can expand transportation electrification

Bellevue, Washington (10/20/2026) As electric vehicle adoption continues to expand, finding convenient charging access continues to be one of the biggest challenges. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has found roughly one-quarter of residents can’t charge at home, creating a barrier for many who want to switch.

This is why Puget Sound Energy works with local governments, like the City of Redmond, to expand transportation electrification in practical ways. PSE recently installed a new pole-mounted public charging station in Redmond, as well as a new fleet charger for the Redmond Fire Department (RFD). Redmond is already a strong EV market, with nearly 8,800 registered electric vehicles — roughly one for every four homes in the city.

"PSE is proud to partner with the City of Redmond on charging projects that make EVs more practical for residents and public service fleets,” said John Mannetti, Director of Customer Energy Innovation. “Together, we are expanding access in places that make sense for the community, support Redmond’s electrification goals and help reduce carbon emissions across the region."

Pole-mounted chargers are installed directly on utility poles and streetlight infrastructure, allowing PSE to site chargers where traditional installations may be more challenging or costly. These public chargers also provide easy access to charging near recreation, like this new site near Marymoor Park.

The chargers feature retractable charging cords, which remain elevated until the customer starts a charging session. This helps keep sidewalks clear and reduces potential vandalism.

The pole charging project highlights a collaborative approach between PSE and local governments, with community feedback playing a vital role in siting locations. PSE has other locations, which recently opened, for pole-mounted chargers in Issaquah and Yelm, with another planned in Tumwater.

RFD also got in on the fun, working with PSE to install a 240-Killowatt charger to support a recently acquired electric fire engine, the first in the state, as part of our Up & Go Electric for Fleet program.

"This partnership with PSE allows us to turn shared goals into tangible results,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Together, we’re expanding public charging while also supporting our fire crews with the infrastructure they need for their growing fleet of EVs. It’s a win-win as we work towards a cleaner, electrified future."

PSE offers up to $250,000 in incentives per charging location to help cities, government agencies, school districts, transit agencies or businesses prepare for the fuel of the future. The City of Redmond, which has a goal of achieving net-zero emissions from city operations by 2040, bought its first EV fire truck this past February and is estimated to eliminate about 1,800 gallons of diesel use and prevents 18 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

PSE’s Up & Go Electric program was created to support transportation electrification growth through charging infrastructure expansion. With both pole-mounted and ground-mounted public charging stations across our service area, PSE continues to add options, helping make EV ownership more practical and accessible.

 

Media Contact:

Gerald Tracy, 888-831-7250, psenewsroom@pse.com