Seattle's green initiatives have received increased attention thanks to the city's electric vehicle infrastructure, with Chris Robertson of Seattle City Light leading the charge. According to a profile featured in Powerlines, Robertson has been directing City Light's Public Charging Program for more than a year, drawing on over 16 years of municipal experience in the rapidly evolving field of transportation electrification.
In his role, Robertson oversees the installation of DC fast chargers across the city, addressing the increasing challenge of meeting the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs). "My primary role is managing infrastructure installation projects, particularly City Light’s Public Charging Program’s DC fast chargers," he explained in a statement obtained by Powerlines. However, Robertson isn't just about the hardware, he's looking ahead, working on initiatives to integrate electrification into Seattle's energy future.
The drive toward an electric-powered fleet is more than just a job for this project coordinator. Robertson told Powerlines that his passion for sustainability fuels his day-to-day efforts. "I’m enthusiastic about sustainability and believe that collaboration is the best way to meet ambitious climate goals," he shared. His vision for Seattle’s transportation over the next five years includes a surge in EV ownership coupled with a concerted effort by City Light to build out public charging infrastructure, ensuring equitable access across neighborhoods.
When the discussion moves from electrifying roadways to ambitious scientific pursuits, Robertson would opt to share a ride with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson during National Drive Electric Week. His essential electrified gadget is a simple dynamo on his bike—a self-sufficient power source that keeps his lights on and devices charged without needing to connect to the grid. If you want to engage him in conversation, just mention robot law—a topic that has inspired discussions ranging from pizza parlor animatronics to the intricacies of AI and machine learning.
