Energy Savings Program authorized by Port of Olympia, first project considered is capacity for vehicle electrification conversion

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Executive Director Sam Gibboney to sign an agreement with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to provide the Port with project management and support on future projects through the Energy Savings Program during a meeting on Monday, February 27 023.

Port Executive Services Director Lisa Parks said that the Port is currently considering using the agreement for a fleet electrification project with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The Port and the tribe are currently applying for a joint grant from the Washington Department of Commerce to help the Port study its options for fleet conversion and evaluate its capacity for eco-fueling and electric vehicle charging.

The 2023 Port budget included $100,000 to assess zero emissions projects, with $20,000 to be used as the Port’s match in the grant with the tribe. The remaining funds would be used for other related projects.

Parks said that the Energy Savings Program helps owners of public facilities to reduce energy and operations costs through power conversion projects. Through the program, DES would provide the Port with project management, technical expertise, and access to pre-qualified energy service companies without needing to go through the Port’s competitive bidding requirements. The program does not currently support new purchases or constructions and focuses on conversion upgrades for existing facilities.

Parks clarified that the agreement with DES is non-binding, as the Port would have to first select a project that they want DES to help in. The agreement would then have to be amended once the chosen project is finalized.

Though all three commissioners voted in favor of the agreement, Commissioner Joe Downing expressed that he was not fully supportive of it, saying it was unnecessary given how much the Port already spends on consulting.

“I don’t (think) we need additional consulting to figure out that electric vehicles are less polluting than gas and diesel,” said Downing.

“I think this port has a very large percentage of consulting expense,” Downing remarked, “and adding this agreement adds another layer. I don’t think it’s needed.”