In anticipation of its new fleet of hybrid-electric vessels, Washington State Ferries has begun readying its terminals.
The state agency announced Monday that it is in the process of planning and designing charging infrastructure at 16 ferry terminals, an effort that involves collaborating with local utility companies to ensure enough power is available.
On Whidbey Island, that utility company is Puget Sound Energy. Residents who are all too familiar with multiple days of power outages caused by a windstorm may wonder what the plan is.
“When a customer has a power need, we work with them to understand their needs and how that will impact our system,” a PSE spokesperson said Tuesday. “That is a process we’d need to work through with the ferry system, just like any other customer.”
Suanne Pelley, a constructions communications manager for State Ferries, said that similar to a hybrid car, the new boats will be able to charge their batteries while running on diesel power and for the duration that the vessels are docked at the terminals.
“We’re developing agreements with local utilities to ensure that residential and business customers have the energy they need, especially on high demand days,” Pelley said.
In the instance of a power outage or other interruption to shore charging, State Ferries plans to use diesel engines/generators that will allow for continued service.
