NWPPA Welcomes Five New Associate Members
(May 2) We are excited to announce five new associate members joined NWPPA in April!
Jefferson PUD Receives Another Clean Audit
(May 1) Washington State auditors determined that Jefferson PUD (Port Townsend, Wash.) complies with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies in all areas examined. Auditors reviewed records between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022, using a risk-based approach centered on the procurement process, accounts receivable, accounts payable, open public meetings for compliance, and financial conditions.
Accountability audits focus on adherence to laws and policies. Financial audits look at financial statements and schedules.
Auditor staff reviewed PUD procurement policies and provided recommendations for updating internal processes. Auditor reports determined the PUD provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources.
“The audit process is a great learning opportunity for the utility,” said PUD Finance Director Mike Bailey. “It helps us improve our processes and lets us share information with the board and the public.”
Cowlitz PUD Introduces Annual Weekend for Warm Neighbor
(May 1) This September, Cowlitz PUD introduces its first Annual Warm Neighbor Golf Tournament as part of its effort to expand funding for the Warm Neighbor Program and attract state and regional participation in the program.
This event follows the successful Eat for Heat dinner and offers a unique sponsorship opportunity. This year, Eat for Heat is 3-5:30 p.m. Sept. 12. The Annual Warm Neighbor Golf Tournament is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 13. By combining these programs and expanding their reach, the PUD aims to educate on the importance of programs that assist its most vulnerable populations and to provide sponsors with a platform to connect with the PUD’s partners in the energy sector. The PUD described sponsoring the weekend as a win-win: it “not only supports a noble cause but also offers valuable networking opportunities.” The Annual Weekend for Warm Neighbor is being presented by 1898 & Co., a global business that is part of Burns & McDonnell.
For over 23 years, Cowlitz PUD’s Warm Neighbor Fund has provided thousands of dollars to Cowlitz County families in need to help pay their electric bills. These recipients can barely make ends meet but don’t qualify for other government programs. This program is funded entirely by community donations, events, and Cowlitz PUD employees.
Eat for Heat is a 100% locally procured, nationally recognized meal kit that participants simply pick up and prepare at home. Eat for Heat began in 2017 and has served over 1800 meals; raised $60,000 for the Warm Neighbor Program; contributed over $60,000 to local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and farms; and created a partnership with United Way of Cowlitz County’s Day of Caring to assist the organization of the event.
For sponsorship opportunities or to register a team, contact adietz@cowlitzpud.org.
Columbia REA Accepting Applications for 2024 MPT Community Grant
(May 1) Starting this month, Columbia REA (Walla Walla, Wash.) is accepting applications for its 2024 More Powerful Together Community Grant.
Grant funding is available to eligible organizations within the Columbia REA service area. The goal of the MPT Community Grant program is to make a one-time donation to one or more organizations that serve Columbia REA’s communities. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. Applications will be accepted here between May 6 and 5:30 p.m. PT on June 28. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
To be considered for the grant, applicants must meet certain criteria. Organizations can apply regardless of nonprofit status. Religious or political organizations are not eligible. Only organizations, not individuals, will be considered. Previous recipients of the Columbia REA MPT grant are eligible to apply again after five years.
The More Powerful Together Community Grant program is an extension of Columbia REA’s commitment to improve the quality of life of its members. Columbia REA has a long history of supporting its communities. It contributes to more than 100 different organizations every year, with a primary focus on education and youth programs.
OPALCO’s New Annual Member Festival a Success
(April 30) At the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (Eastsound, Wash.) Business Annual Meeting on April 25, Rick Fant of the OPALCO Election and Governance Committee announced the results of the 2024 Board Election. In District 2, Wendy Hiester ran unopposed and was elected with 1,655 votes. In District 3, Tom Osterman ran unopposed and was elected with 1,652 votes. A total of 1,826 ballots were cast, equating to approximately 16% of the membership. During the meeting, OPALCO Board President Vince Dauciunas thanked Jeffrey Struthers for six years of dedicated and thoughtful service on the OPALCO board. Twenty-six members participated in the Annual Business Meeting.
Fant encouraged OPALCO members to step up and serve on the volunteer elections and governance committee. The EGC is responsible for cultivating qualified candidates for each board election. There are currently open positions on the EGC in every district. The time commitment is reasonable. Committee members work year-round on a casual basis to identify potential candidates. Meetings are concentrated from November through January during the election season.
The day after the meeting, OPALCO held the Annual Member Festival at its Eastsound office parking lot. The festival was a huge success, with over 300 co-op members in attendance. The parking lot was transformed into a family-friendly educational activity center. The whole OPALCO team was on hand to welcome attendees, give out swag, and keep the event flowing.
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SMUD to Host California Solar Regatta This Weekend
(April 30) On May 3 and 4, high school and college students from across the region and state will race full-sized, solar-powered boats they designed and built themselves in the 11th annual California Solar Regatta at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Students used renewable energy and technology skills they learned in school, applying them in a practical, hands-on way.
This event creates a fun, exciting challenge that can help inspire students to pursue educational and career paths in STEM fields. The California Solar Regatta is part of SMUD’s longstanding commitment to helping local educators connect students with science, technology, engineering, and math concepts and career pathways, especially as SMUD aims to decarbonize the region’s power supply by 2030.
Twelve teams of high school students and seven teams of college students designed and built 19 solar-powered boats for this event. High school teams will compete on the first day of racing, May 3. College students will compete on the second day, May 4. All teams will compete in a variety of categories, including speed, slalom skill, endurance, and presentation. Winners will receive a variety of prizes, and the overall winner will take home a regatta cup.
The California Solar Regatta is open to the public. Racing is slated for 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 and 10 a.m. to noon May 4, with lunch breaks from noon to 1 p.m. both days.
Chugach, MEA Submit Proposed Final Fish and Wildlife Program for Eklutna Hydro Project
(April 25) After five years of study, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, Chugach Electric Association (Anchorage, Alaska) and Matanuska Electric Association (Palmer, Alaska), two of the owners of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, have sent the Proposed Final Fish and Wildlife Program to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy for his consideration and approval. The submittal follows resolutions approving the proposed final program by the boards of directors of both Chugach and MEA.
The Eklutna Hydroelectric Project is the lowest cost power in Southcentral Alaska. It produces approximately 44% of MEA’s renewable generation portfolio and approximately 25% of Chugach’s renewable generation portfolio; increases electric grid reliability; and offsets approximately 72,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent each year. The reservoir also supplies about 90% of the domestic water supply for the Municipality of Anchorage.
In 1997, Chugach, MEA, and the MOA purchased the hydro project from the federal government. As part of the purchase process, the project owners entered into the 1991 Agreement with the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Alaska to study the project’s impact on fish and wildlife.
The 1991 Agreement required the project owners to initiate a consultation process with the signatories by 2022 to develop and propose to the governor a program to protect, mitigate damages to, and enhance fish and wildlife resources impacted by the project. The project owners initiated that process more than three years early in 2019, expanding the consultation process to include not only the parties to the 1991 Agreement, but also the Native Village of Eklutna; Eklutna, Inc.; The Conservation Fund; Trout Unlimited; Alaska Pacific University; and several other stakeholders interested in the project.
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Grant PUD Board Discusses Preferred Rate for Ag Services
(April 25) A lower electric rate for some ag-related activities beyond irrigation could become a new offering for farms and ranches in Grant County, Washington, as Grant PUD commissioners continue their ongoing discussion about how to improve the utility’s current rate-setting policy.
The proposed “agricultural service” rate would apply to electricity that powers certain non-irrigation ag activities, including growing crops, raising livestock, and processing or storing agricultural products.
Many ag businesses’ non-irrigation electric service is currently billed under Rate Schedule 2 for general service or Rate Schedule 7 for large general service. Both of these rate classes also include non-ag activities, ranging from small shops to big-box retailers, who can often pass cost increases on to their customers. Farmers usually can’t raise prices to compensate for cost increases. Irrigation customers (Rate Schedule 3) already receive a below-cost rate for the energy needed to pump water to their farms.
Specific agriculture service rates have yet to be determined. Staff will provide the commission with suggested rates for further study in the coming months.
Commission President Tom Flint and Commission Treasurer Larry Schaapman both urged staff to ensure any rate changes don’t create unintended consequences. Commissioner Judy Wilson favored making any new rate as uncomplicated as possible.
“I don’t want the process to be misused,” Flint said. “The goal is to have a benefit for the wholesale producers, because they don’t have the retail component of passing on price increases.”
Staff’s draft plan calls for the new rate to be available to customers as early as September 2024. On April 23, commissioners asked for a longer timeline for more analysis.
LPEA Celebrates Bring a Kid to Work Day
(April 25) La Plata Electric Association (Durango, Colo.) hosted its annual Bring A Kid to Work Day on April 25, providing an opportunity for employees to share their workplace experiences with their children, nieces, nephews, and friends. The day began with breakfast to fuel the young minds for the adventures ahead. Excitement filled the air as the children embarked on a tour of the office, gaining insights into the vital role the cooperative plays in powering the community. Throughout the day, the children had the unique opportunity to shadow their parents, gaining firsthand experience of their daily responsibilities and the importance of teamwork within the cooperative.
“We are thrilled to have welcomed the next generation of leaders and innovators to our office,” said Graham Smith, interim CEO of LPEA. “It’s essential to inspire and educate our kids about the people behind the light switch, and today was a fantastic opportunity to do just that.”
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the thrilling demonstration by the LPEA Lineworker Rodeo team. Children watched in awe as skilled lineworkers showcased their expertise with a pole-climbing demonstration, highlighting the precision and agility required for their vital work in maintaining the power infrastructure.
Adding to the excitement, children had the chance to strike a pose at a specially set up photo booth, capturing family memories alongside a bucket truck.
“This is a fantastic event that allows the kids to meet the employees and learn about the unique skills that we all bring to work here at LPEA. My kids look forward to this every year,” said Dan MacVeigh, a proud LPEA employee and parent. “It’s not just about showing them what we do; it’s about instilling in them the cooperative values of community, teamwork, and service.”
Fitch Affirms Snohomish County PUD’s Electric System Revs at ‘AA-‘
(April 25) Fitch Ratings has affirmed Snohomish County PUD’s (Everett, Wash.) issuer default rating and the ratings on the following bonds issued by the PUD at ‘AA-‘:
- $352 million electric system revenue bonds series 2010A, 2015, 2020A, and 2021A.
- $57 million generation system revenue bonds series 2010B, 2015, and 2020A.
The rating outlook is Stable.
The ‘AA-‘ ratings reflect the PUD’s very strong financial profile in relation to its very low operating cost burden and strong revenue defensibility. The revenue defensibility sub-assessment is anchored by the PUD’s independent ability to adjust retail electric rates as necessary across its exclusive service area, which has very strong demand characteristics and economic metrics.
Financial performance in fiscal 2023 was very strong, as the district increased retail MWh sales year-over-year and had the highest total sales volume and total operating revenues over the past five years. The district also benefitted from higher interest income, as well as reserve distribution funds received from the Bonneville Power Administration (IDR AA-/Stable), the district’s primary supplier of power in fiscal 2023, due to BPA’s strong financial performance in fiscal year 2022.
Leverage subsequently declined to a very low 4.2x in fiscal year 2023 from 5.2x in fiscal year 2022. Fitch’s FAST analysis rating case shows leverage increasing closer to 6x before moderating back down to around 5x, which supports the current rating.
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Clallam PUD Requests Water Customers Prepare for Drought
(April 25) Clallam PUD (Carlsborg, Wash.) requested that water utility customers prepare to conserve water this year in response to a statewide drought emergency declaration from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
On April 16, the department declared the drought emergency due to low snowpack levels and forecasted impacts to drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, fisheries, and instream resources. In response to the forecasted impacts to drinking water supplies, Clallam PUD is taking the following actions to ensure the utility’s drought readiness and resiliency:
- Activating a Stage 1 drought response in accordance with the PUD’s drought response plan.
- Preparing groundwater wells, which the PUD will rely upon when surface water flows are low.
- Exploring grant opportunities to fund improvements to the PUD’s drought resiliency and preparation.
- Educating customers on ways to save water, including limiting outdoor water use for irrigation; finding and fixing leaks in household plumbing and irrigation systems; installing water efficient fixtures and appliances; and washing vehicles and boats at a carwash that recycles its water.
Clallam PUD will keep customers informed of its response to the drought. It is committed to its mission of providing customers with reliable water service through the 2024 drought.
Demand for Electricity in the Pacific Northwest Could Grow by Over 30% in the Next Decade
(May 1) The 2024 update to the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee’s Northwest Regional Forecast reveals more momentum for the surge in demand for electricity in the Pacific Northwest. The increase is attributed to factors such as data center development, high-tech manufacturing growth, and the continued trend toward electrification.
The forecast projects electricity consumption could increase from about 23,700 average megawatts in 2024 to about 31,100 aMW in 2033, an increase of 7,400 aMW. That is an increase in demand of over 30% in the next 10 years. Last year’s forecast projected demand could rise by 24% in 10 years. This pace of expected growth is remarkable compared to the region’s more modest growth over the past 40 years. An increase of 7,400 aMW is equivalent to having to meet the electricity demand of about seven cities the size of Seattle.
The dual challenge of extraordinary growth in consumption and the transition to lower carbon-emitting generation resources translates to a tremendous and urgent need to upgrade the region’s electricity infrastructure—including expanding transmission capacity, diversifying power supplies, and accelerating the adoption of advanced grid technologies.
“While individual utilities have unique needs, there is a shared commitment to collaboration in developing an unprecedented amount of new generation in the next 10 years,” said PNUCC Executive Director Crystal Ball. “This will require intense coordinated planning along with strong public support to assure an adequate, reliable power supply during the region’s transition to a cleaner energy future.”
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PNUCC is a not-for-profit trade association of consumer-owned and investor-owned electric utilities and other power industry partners that share a common interest in the efficacy and reliability of the Northwest Power system. For more information, visit https://www.pnucc.org/.
WECC Facilitates Summer Outlook Discussion
(May 1) In a webinar on May 1, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council shared a glimpse into the operational risks and conditions expected across the Western Interconnection during the summer. The Summer Outlook discussion covered topics such as weather patterns, temperatures, drought, aridification, and wildfires. It also showed various outreach initiatives used by the industry that will be relevant for this summer.
This webinar is part of WECC’s Reliability in the West discussion series. The series is designed to give stakeholders an opportunity to stay current, gain knowledge, and take part in discussions on the most pressing issues affecting the region. A recording of the Summer Outlook discussion, presentation materials, and recordings of past discussions are available here.
The Western Electricity Coordinating Council promotes bulk power system reliability and security in the Western Interconnection. For more information, visit www.wecc.org.
NRTC, Itron Team Up at Recent Meter Schools
(April 25) Josh Pepple, NRTC’s VP of technology planning, and Patrick Jordan, NRTC’s director of smart grid technology planning, recently participated in regional meter school events, aiming to share insights into the latest industry trends and technological advancements. Pepple and Jordan delivered presentations emphasizing the advantages of deploying intelligent technologies and highlighted NRTC’s collaboration with Itron in product development.
“NRTC and Itron are steadfast supporters of these educational initiatives. We were pleased to collaborate with them to impart valuable insights and knowledge during these speaking engagements, fostering relationships with those at the forefront of technology implementation,” Jordan said.
Pepple addressed attendees at the 43rd Annual Electric Power and Metering School at Mississippi State University, discussing strategies for cost-effective technology deployments in his presentation, “Keeping the Cutting Edge From Breaking the Bank.” Additionally, he co-presented with Bryan Seal from Itron’s Public Power Technical Sales group on maximizing the potential of fiber-optic networks for advanced metering infrastrucuture in their session titled, “Riding the Light: Leveraging Fiber for AMI.”
Seal joined Jordan in presenting at the Southeastern Meter School and Conference at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Their session, “Identifying the Value Streams for AMI Data, Leveraging AMI Integration to Provide a Better User Experience,” offered insights into the value streams of AMI data by Jordan and demonstrated how advanced metering technology can actualize them by Seal.
Alongside discussions on AMI and smart grid technologies, the meter schools covered a broad spectrum of topics crucial for nurturing the skills of emerging field professionals and seasoned experts.
NRTC represents the technology interests of more than 1,500 utilities and affiliates in 48 states. For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT, and intelligent infrastructure services. For more information, visit https://na.itron.com.
SEL Introduces New Fault Locator and 12-Channel MHz Recorder
(April 24) Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a global leader in power system protection, automation, and control solutions, introduced the SEL-TWFL Dual Traveling-Wave Fault Locator and 12-Channel MHz Recorder, a standalone device that provides accurate fault locating, line monitoring, and high-resolution event recording.
The device uses traveling-wave-based and impedance-based methods to accurately locate faults within one tower span. The combination of these methods provides unmatched fault-locating accuracy and dependability for a variety of operating conditions and fault types.
Like the SEL-T401L Ultra-High-Speed Line Relay, the SEL-TWFL includes line-monitoring functionality that localizes early traveling-wave activity to address potential line problems. In addition, the SEL-TWFL can monitor two lines from a single substation and is suitable for radial as well as two- and three-terminal applications. The device works with series-compensated lines, overhead lines, cable lines, and hybrid transmission lines. For multi-ended fault-locating methods, SEL-TWFL devices exchange data over a communications channel or via communications protocols over a SCADA network. The SEL-TWFL reports fault locations locally or at a central location using a client computer.
With its ultra-high sampling rate capability, the SEL-TWFL collects data from as many as six currents and six voltages for as long as 1.2 seconds at a 1 MHz sampling rate with 18 bits of resolution. This data offers an enhanced understanding of power system high-frequency transients from faults, switching events, breaker restrikes and self-extinguishing faults.
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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. For more information, visit www.selinc.com.