Victor Fuentes to Lead Franklin PUD as General Manager/CEO
(June 24) Franklin PUD (Pasco, Wash.) commissioners finalized the appointment of Victor Fuentes as its new general manager/chief executive officer today.
“We’re happy to make this official,” said Commission President Roger Wright. “This was a unanimous decision; as a board, we all agreed he’s the right person for the general manager/CEO position. We’ve seen his great work during his time at Franklin PUD and as the interim general manager/CEO.”
Wright continued, “After a thorough and comprehensive search, Fuentes emerged as the clear choice. We’re confident that Fuentes’ proven leadership will not only uphold Franklin PUD’s positive direction but will continue to move us toward to even greater achievements and successes in the future.”
While Fuentes officially assumed the role of general manager/CEO on June 25, his leadership has been evident during his tenure as interim general manager/CEO since Feb. 1. Prior to this appointment, Fuentes first held the position of engineering director and was promoted to engineering and operations senior director. Since joining Franklin PUD in 2021, Fuentes has been a vital member of the management team contributing to the organization’s success. His key achievements include the successful build-out of the critical Railroad Avenue Substation, strategically designed to serve the growing Reiman Industrial Park. Recognizing the importance of developing future talent, he launched a successful student intern program. His deep commitment to operational excellence is evident in his diligent work to ensure the continued reliability and resilience of Franklin PUD’s electrical infrastructure for its customers.
Fuentes succeeds Scott Rhees, who retired Jan. 31 after six years of dedicated service to Franklin PUD.
Click here for the full release.
Duties Expand for Grant PUD’s Newest VP, Glen Pruitt
(June 25) Utility-industry veteran Glen Pruitt has been named Grant PUD’s (Ephrata, Wash.) vice president of legal, regulatory, and government affairs.
Pruitt joined Grant PUD in 2023 and eventually became senior manager of compliance and risk, heading a team that seeks opportunities to reduce business risk and oversees the utility’s compliance with myriad industry requirements to ensure system reliability and safety. He came to Grant PUD after carrying out similar duties at Chelan PUD (Wenatchee, Wash.).
In his new role, Pruitt will lead the teams working in audit, government affairs, information governance, and reliability compliance, as well as staff attorneys. His leadership experience spans 20 years and includes positions in the fields of engineering, system operations, production operations, and finance. Pruitt served more than eight years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear operator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Missouri’s William Woods University.
“I’m honored to accept this new role at Grant PUD, helping to ensure the safety, reliability, and integrity of this utility at a time of growth and industry change,” Pruitt said. “I’m excited to work with this group of talented professionals and look forward to this new opportunity.”
Pruitt’s new role began June 20. As vice president, Pruitt will report directly to General Manager and CEO John Mertlich.
PCWA Completes Indian Bar River Access Improvements Just in Time for Summer Recreation Season
(June 24) Good news for whitewater rafters: Improvements at Indian Bar are complete. At its June 19 meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (Auburn, Calif.) Board of Directors authorized the filing of a notice of completion for the Indian Bar River Access Project, just in time for peak summer rafting and fishing season. Located near Foresthill, the improved site provides safer and more convenient access to one of California’s premier whitewater rafting destinations.
“Recreational use of our waterways and reservoirs is an important part of PCWA’s stewardship of the Middle Fork American River watershed,” said PCWA Director Josh Alpine, whose District 5 includes the Indian Bar project. “This site plays a key role in both public recreation and clean hydropower. These upgrades reflect PCWA’s commitment to providing safe, reliable access for recreation while continuing to support California’s clean energy needs through the Middle Fork Project.”
The $1.7 million Indian Bar project improves access to the Middle Fork of the American River just downstream of the agency’s Ralston Afterbay (Oxbow Reservoir) near Foresthill. The Ralston Afterbay Dam is just below the confluence of the Middle Fork American and Rubicon rivers. The area below the dam, known as Indian Bar, is a popular recreation spot with
picnicking, fishing, and boating. Rafters especially love this area, accessing the Middle Fork American River at Indian Bar. The raft put-in site is next to PCWA’s Oxbow Powerhouse tailrace, the channel that carries water from the powerhouse to the river’s main channel. Private and commercial recreational whitewater rafters use this site to put their watercraft into the river during rafting season, which annually runs from May through September.
Click here for the full release.
Chelan PUD’s Riverfront Park’s New Features Now Open to Community
(June 25) There are exciting changes at Riverfront Park. After years of community planning, construction and renovation work, a series of improvements are now open and available for the community to enjoy. The new features were born out of an enduring partnership between Chelan PUD (Wenatchee, Wash.) and the City of Wenatchee.
“These improvements are based on a multi-year master planning process with the community,” said PUD Chief Strategy & Stakeholder Officer Justin Erickson. “We know that people love our local parks, and these new features will create benefits for decades to come.”
New Riverfront Park features include:
- An apple-themed children’s play area, located just off the pedestrian bridge and north of Pybus Market. It’s designed for children aged 5-12. The area also features a new restroom.
- A brand-new splash pad, located just south of the restrooms at Fifth Street. It will operate seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., through Labor Day. Rentals are not available.
- A new picnic pavilion, located just north of the new splash pad. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge from 7 a.m. to dusk every day.
- Sections of wider and separated trails to promote better flow in high-use areas and create safer trail interactions between users.
There are also new trail markers and signage to ensure everyone’s safety.
Click here for the full release.
Grays Harbor PUD Receives Clean Financial Statement and Accountability Audit
(June 23) Another year, another clean Grays Harbor PUD (Aberdeen, Wash.) financial report from the Office of the Washington State Auditor. In a presentation to the PUD on June 23, the Washington State Auditor audit team reported that the annual review of PUD accountability and financial statements revealed no findings and that the utility is in compliance with its own and state regulations.
“This is a clean audit opinion,” said Audit Lead Kiersten Mercado. “Everything looked great.”
The accountability audit examined cash receipting, self-insurance, accounts payable, compliance with customer rebate programs, procurement, open public meetings, and financial condition, while the financial statements audit reviewed financial reports in terms of internal controls and compliance with state and internal regulations. Both audits covered the period of Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2024.
“I’m very proud of the PUD team and appreciate all the work they do to ensure that the trust of our customers is well placed,” said PUD Commissioner Arie Callaghan.
In closing the report, the audit team thanked PUD Finance Director Kathryn Skolrood for her leadership over the last nine years. Skolrood will retire at the end of the month, with a perfect record of clean financial audits by the Office of the Washington State Auditor.
TDPUD Safety Message: Prepare for Wildfire Season Power Outages
(June 23) With wildfire season now underway, Truckee Donner PUD (Calif.) urges customers to prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages during wildfire season. NV Energy—TDPUD’s primary energy transmission supplier—and TDPUD take actions during wildfire season to help mitigate wildfire risk to the community, but these safety programs can result in electric power outages for up to several days without much notice.
“Wildfire safety power outages have become a utility industry standard and are the new normal for our region,” said Steven Poncelet, TDPUD’s public information and strategic affairs director. “NV Energy’s PSOM [public safety outage management] program and emergency de-energization programs are established safety measures that we expect will continue to be used during periods of extreme wildfire risk and everyone needs to be prepared.”
In a PSOM event, NV Energy will de-energize transmission lines that deliver power to Truckee—and likely the entire Truckee-North Tahoe region—during extreme weather conditions and elevated fire risk levels. As in prior years, TDPUD plans to alert the public with a 48- to 24-hour notice, followed by a 12- to four-hour notice.
In an emergency de-energization event, NV Energy will shut off power when an active wildfire gets too close to its equipment, to protect first responders on the ground fighting fires, and to avoid contributing to catastrophic wildfire conditions by lowering the risk of a secondary ignition. Depending on the location of the fire start and rate of expansion, NV Energy may provide little notice of the safety outage. TDPUD will work to notify the public of an upcoming de-energization event as soon as possible, but there is a possibility the outage would come before TDPUD’s notice.
To learn more, visit tdpud.org/wildfire.
Lewis County PUD Receives Clean Financial Statement Audit
(June 23) Lewis County PUD (Chehalis, Wash.) has earned a clean financial statement audit from independent accounting firm Moss Adams.
The report affirms that the PUD’s financial records are accurate and with no findings.
“This outcome reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team,” said PUD General Manager David Plotz. “We are dedicated to continue being responsible stewards of taxpayer funds and ensuring efficient, effective operations.”
Moss Adams conducted a thorough examination of the PUD’s financial statements, internal controls, and accounting practices. The audit concluded with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified.
“The outcome of this audit reinforces the trust our community places in us,” said PUD Chief Financial Officer Doug Streeter. “Our finance team continues to uphold the highest standards to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.”
Lewis County PUD remains dedicated to transparency and fiscal accountability as it delivers safe and reliable service to the community.
Umatilla Electric Celebrates Proud River Leadership Academy Graduates
(June 18) Sixteen graduates were honored as the first-ever class to complete the Proud River Leadership Academy, recognized at a special ceremony held June 17 at the SAGE Event Center in Boardman, Oregon.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative (Hermiston, Ore.), through its subsidiary company, Umatilla Basin Resources, launched the Proud River Leadership Academy in fall 2024 as an evolution of the former Leadership Hermiston program. Its mission was clear: To power professional leadership and community engagement across Umatilla and Morrow counties. The 10-month program was designed for professionals in leadership roles or those seeking growth opportunities through focused leadership training, a deeper understanding of our region, and networking with peers across counties.
Throughout the course, participants met monthly at the Blue Mountain Community College campus in Hermiston and toured various employers across the region. The curriculum emphasized tangible leadership skills, including personnel management, effective communication, and team empowerment—all built on a foundation of strong relationships. The program was facilitated by Josh Burns, project administrator for Umatilla Electric, who has more than two decades of leadership experience in the U.S. Air Force, corporate banking, small businesses, and a Fortune 100 company.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch this group grow not only as individual leaders but also as a united force for good in our region,” Burns said. “They’ve embraced the challenges, leaned into the work, and emerged as more confident, connected professionals ready to lead with purpose.”
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Tillamook PUD Supports Local Students
(June 19) The Tillamook PUD (Ore.) Board of Directors has selected two students to participate in the 2025 College Work Program and three students to receive 2025 Electrical Lineworker Program scholarships.
Audrey Miller and Ellouise Winder were selected to participate in the 2025 College Work Program. Miller and Winder graduated from Tillamook High School this year. Miller plans to advance her education at Tillamook Bay Community College, with a focus on occupational therapy. Winder will attend Pacific University in the fall to study dental hygiene. Since 1965, Tillamook PUD has offered the College Work Program to senior students of Tillamook County high schools who are seeking higher education after graduation. The Board of Directors selects participants based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and future aspirations. Chosen students gain work experience during summer and school breaks. To date, the program has seen participation from 65 students.
The Electrical Lineworker Program scholarships were awarded to Tanner Baertlein and Carsen Rieger from Tillamook High School, and Joshua Knight from Nestucca High School. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to pursue their education at an accredited electrical lineworker college. Established in 2021, the Tillamook PUD Lineworker Scholarship Program supports local individuals interested in pursuing a career in electrical line work and helps promote the unique opportunities within the electric utility industry.
SMUD and DESRI Announce 640-MWh Clean Energy Storage Project
(June 19) DESRI and SMUD (Sacramento, Calif.) announced they have executed a long-term power purchase agreement for the Dry Creek Energy Storage project. Dry Creek is a 160-MW/640-MWh battery energy storage system located in Sacramento County.
“Our DESRI team is proud to bring this reliable, cost-effective clean energy storage project to the California energy system, an exciting new addition to our partnership with SMUD over many years,” said DESRI Chief Development Officer Hy Martin. “This project will play a critical role in helping SMUD to maintain and enhance grid reliability, optimize performance of their renewable energy assets, and contribute to their decarbonization goals.”
SMUD and DESRI have worked on the project jointly over several years. Given the significant transmission infrastructure at the decommissioned Rancho Seco generating station, the battery energy storage system is optimally located to leverage the existing infrastructure and limit costly upgrades to the system. The energy storage system will be charged using renewable energy and other clean sources available on SMUD’s grid, supporting the integration of sustainable power and enhancing grid reliability.
“This battery storage project represents another significant milestone in SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan as we work toward carbon-free electricity by 2030,” said SMUD Chief Zero Carbon Officer Lora Anguay. “By enhancing our existing renewable infrastructure at Rancho Seco with battery technology, we’re building a more flexible and reliable grid while enabling a more efficient integration of renewable energy.”
Columbia REA Announces Results of 2025 Board of Directors Election
(June 19) Columbia REA (Walla Walla, Wash.) announced the results of its 2025 board of directors election. The newly reelected board members are Patrick Dennis (District 1), Dennis Munden (District 2), and Jay DeWitt (District 3).
Columbia REA CEO Scott Peters said he is thankful to have a strong board committed to the cooperative’s success.
“At this time in our history … with what is happening locally and around the world … we are truly blessed with a board that cares about the people who live here,” Peters said. “Because our board is made up of members who are invested in this area, the cooperative will continue to be proactive and resilient and do what is best for the members and for the communities we serve.”
While all three of the newly elected directors were running as incumbents, the 2025 board officer positions have changed. The president is Jay DeWitt, the vice president is Dennis Munden, and the secretary/treasurer is Katie Wooldridge.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative Plants New Pollinator Garden
(June 18) A vibrant new pollinator garden has taken root near Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s Elm Avenue substation in Hermiston, Oregon—beginning a transformation of an ordinary utility site into a thriving example of environmental stewardship and community care.
Inspired by a 2024 Ruralite article showcasing utility-led conservation efforts across the Northwest, Umatilla Electric began exploring how a pollinator garden could add value to the substation site and surrounding community. The idea gained traction quickly, not just for its environmental benefits, but for the opportunity to demonstrate how utilities can creatively support biodiversity without compromising operational goals.
Pollinator gardens offer real ecological value. By planting species such as day lilies, lavender, and butterfly bushes, Umatilla Electric created an essential habitat for pollinators. In Eastern Oregon, where farming, irrigation, and energy delivery are deeply connected, protecting these species helps preserve the balance between people and the land.
“This project reflects the cooperative spirit we value so much,” said Lisa McMeen, vice president of administration at Umatilla Electric. “We saw an opportunity to turn a substation into something that contributes to the local environment, supports agriculture, and sets a positive example for integrating sustainability into utility operations.”
Spanning along the W. 10th Street walking path on the western edge of the substation, the garden was designed and installed by a local contractor. It features drought-tolerant plants selected for their ability to thrive in Eastern Oregon’s dry climate with minimal irrigation.
The project aligns with Umatilla Electric’s broader focus on improving land use, encouraging local partnerships, and showing that even small-scale initiatives can deliver meaningful impact. For Umatilla Electric, this effort was not just about beautification—it was about initiating a long-term investment in the health of the region’s ecosystems and communities.
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NWPCC Names Peter Cogswell as New Executive Director
(June 23) The Northwest Power and Conservation Council announced the appointment of Peter Cogswell to the role of executive director. Cogswell’s first day at NWPCC will be July 7.
Cogswell brings extensive experience in regional energy policy to the role, most notably working at the Bonneville Power Administration from 2007-2021, where he was the NWPCC liaison for many years and served as director of intergovernmental affairs. He also worked at PacifiCorp, was the deputy chief of staff and senior policy adviser to former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, and recently worked as an energy consultant. At BPA, his portfolio included state, national, and tribal affairs; as the NWPCC liaison, he helped navigate the development of two Northwest power plans. At the Governor’s Office, he led efforts to adopt several early clean energy policies, including Oregon’s first renewable energy standard. Cogswell is a University of Oregon graduate and attended the University of Idaho’s utility executive course. He and his family live in southeast Portland, Oregon.
“I am very fortunate to have engaged extensively with the council over the course of my career,” Cogswell said. “I am excited about the opportunity to build on that experience by working with members, staff, and a broad group of partners, including tribes, states, utilities, and advocates, to ensure the council continues its important work in the region.”
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The Northwest Power and Conservation Council develops and maintains a regional power plan and fish and wildlife program to balance the Northwest’s needs. For more information, visit www.nwcouncil.org.
NEEA Releases Its Cycle 6 and 2024 Annual Report
(June 24) This year, NEEA’s annual report not only celebrates the achievements of the past year, but also commemorates the end of Cycle 6 (2020–2024) and highlights alliance accomplishments during the last five years.
Available to read now, NEEA’s Cycle 6 report spotlights the alliance’s collaborative successes across five years, demonstrating the many ways that market transformation continues to foster a more affordable, resilient, and secure energy future for the Northwest. The alliance’s collaborative efforts work to reduce energy waste, strengthen grid resiliency, and create economic value across the region.
Throughout Cycle 6, NEEA:
- Drove innovation to provide an expanding selection of efficient products for Northwest consumers.
- Leveraged long-term market partnerships to reduce energy waste and mitigate energy load fluctuations.
- Empowered the market to make informed decisions using comprehensive research and data analysis.
- Represented real-world Northwest needs to inform building codes, policies, and standards that improve building resiliency.
- Brought together regional utilities and national partners to pool resources, share risks, and align strategic efforts.
Read the full report to learn more about NEEA’s work in Cycle 6, including success stories and case studies, metrics highlighting progress throughout the market, and the energy savings achieved as a result of these efforts.
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is an alliance of utilities and partners working to catalyze the most efficient use of energy for a thriving Northwest. Visit www.neea.org for more information.