The Climate Trust, a nonprofit environmental organization funded by several cities, corporations and utility companies in the Pacific Northwest, has granted $450,000 to a private company to launch a truck stop electrification network in Oregon and Washington.

Shurepower LLC, a Rome, NY-based manufacturer of electrification systems, is planning to install its system at seven truck stops in both states by June 2006.

Unlike, say, IdleAire, Shurepower relies on freestanding power pedestals with electrical outlets mounted near each parking space. The power pedestals are connected to a control kiosk. Truckers can simply park their rigs, swipe a card – purchased from Shurepower – at the kiosk, then plug into the pedestal for power, high speed internet access, phone service and even cable television.

Erica Graetz, a spokeswoman for The Climate Trust, told “Land Line Now” the cost for use is about $1 per hour and that trucks must be equipped with shore power outlets.

While many newer trucks are equipped with such outlets, those that aren’t can purchase kits from Shurepower that include the extension cords, wiring and adapters needed to retrofit their trucks.

The Climate Trust is funded by power plant owners Avista and Calpine; the city of Klamath Falls, WA; Portland General Electric; PacificCorp Powermarketing; and several other independent supporters at the corporate and individual level.