Brandon Shaw Named CEO/General Manager of IPEC
(Jan. 16) Inside Passage Electric Cooperative (Juneau, Alaska) has announced Brandon Shaw as the co-op’s new CEO and general manager. Shaw takes over from Jodi Mitchell, who retired after 17 years as the co-op’s CEO. Before his current position, Shaw served more than 10 years as the operations manager for IPEC.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our members and furthering IPEC’s goal of reducing our cooperative’s dependence on diesel fuel for generation,” Shaw said. “In the last 10 years, IPEC has constructed two run-of-river hydro projects, reducing our annual diesel consumption by approximately 200,000 gallons. IPEC plans to begin construction on two more hydro projects as early as spring 2025.”
LPEA Welcomes Chris Hansen as New CEO
(Nov. 12) The board of directors of La Plata Electric Association (Durango, Colo.) has announced that Chris Hansen has been selected as the utility’s new chief executive officer, effective Nov. 12, 2024. The decision comes after a national search to fill the CEO position. Hansen succeeds interim CEO Graham Smith, who led the organization since March 2024.
“Chris’ extensive experience and commitment to sustainable energy make him the ideal leader for our cooperative as we navigate the evolving energy landscape,” said Ted Compton, LPEA board president. “We were very fortunate to have Chris in our search pool, and the board seized the opportunity to bring a leader of Chris’ caliber to LPEA. His energy industry background, vision for the future of electric utilities, and understanding of emerging opportunities will serve our members well.”
Hansen most recently served as a Colorado state senator and executive director of the Institute for Western Energy. With over 25 years of experience in the environmental and energy sectors, he brings a strong blend of technical expertise, policy knowledge, and management experience to his role. Hansen collaborated with renewable energy, electricity companies, and government agencies at all levels to enhance operational efficiency. His diverse background equipped him to tackle the challenges LPEA faces, especially during the energy transition.
“I am truly honored to lead LPEA as CEO and work alongside such a talented team,” Hansen said. “I look forward to building on the cooperative’s strong foundation and driving innovation that delivers lasting value to our members, employees, and stakeholders. Together, we will continue to lead our industry with purpose and passion.”
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Douglas PUD Announces Board Officers
(Jan. 13) At their Jan. 13 meeting, Douglas PUD (East Wenatchee, Wash.) commissioners selected officers for the coming year. Molly Simpson was elected as president, Ronald E. Skagen as vice president/assistant secretary, and Aaron J. Viebrock as secretary/treasurer.
At the meeting, Simpson also received her 10-year service award.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the people of Douglas County the last 10 years,” she said. “I look forward to many more.”
In addition to her role on the Douglas PUD Commission, Simpson is a trustee on NWPPA’s board.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative Announces Key Leadership Promotions
(Jan. 9) Umatilla Electric Cooperative (Hermiston, Ore.) has announced two significant leadership advancements within the cooperative. These changes reflect UEC’s continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and service to its members.
First, Josh Lankford has been appointed as UEC’s first-ever assistant general manager, a role recently established and approved by the board of directors to support the cooperative’s continued growth. In this new position, Lankford will work closely with Robert Echenrode, general manager/CEO, focusing on the development and execution of UEC’s ongoing utility operations, mission, and long-term strategy. Lankford will also serve as the primary liaison between the membership, management, and the general manager.
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed working amongst our great team and look forward to continuing to support our membership and our communities in this new position,” Lankford said. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation of service and operational excellence. I look forward to the continued growth of our area and solving the challenges of tomorrow.”
Second, Blake Weathers has been promoted to vice president of power supply. Weathers will continue to oversee and secure the cooperative’s power supply needs, succeeding Robert Cromwell, who retired in 2024. Weathers joined UEC in the fall of 2022 as the power supply and transmission services manager. While serving in this capacity, Weathers made significant contributions to contractual agreements for the co-op’s existing power supply.
“I am excited to take on this new role and continue advancing our efforts to provide a secure and sustainable power supply for UEC members,” Weathers said. “As the utility industry continues to evolve, we are ready to tackle challenges head-on and keep our members at the forefront of our decisions.”
For more information about Lankford and Weathers, see the full news release here.
Big Flat Electric Announces 2025 Youth Tour Winner
(Jan. 15) Each year, high school sophomores and juniors from schools in Big Flat Electric Cooperative’s (Malta, Mont.) service territory have the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour.
During this unique trip, youth watch history come alive as they explore museums, memorials, monuments and so much more with other students from across Montana and the nation. They will also gain a personal understanding of American history and explore their role as U.S. citizens by meeting their state’s representatives and senators.
Big Flat Electric Cooperative received several excellent applications this year and selected Sommer Green as the winner for the 2025 Youth Tour. Sommer Green, the daughter of Dallas and Ashley Green, from Whitewater High School will represent Big Flat Electric in Washington, D.C., in June.
Students competed to attend the 2025 Youth Tour by submitting an application including an essay on the topic “What was the most important event to have occurred in our nation during your lifetime? How did it affect you?”
Flathead Electric Awards $10K Grant for Fire District Radios
(Jan. 15) On Jan. 9, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s (Kalispell, Mont.) Roundup for Safety program awarded $36,375 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by seven local nonprofit organizations. The Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire District received $10,000 toward replacing handheld radios critical to communications along the 55-mile swath of Highway 2 that runs from Hungry Horse to Marias Pass and borders Glacier National Park, the Flathead River, the Flathead National Forest, the BNSF and Amtrak rail lines, and gas and electric infrastructure.
John Gillespie, chief of the fire district, noted the lack of cell service in much of the area and lamented that the district’s existing radios cannot always communicate with agencies using more modern equipment.
“Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest operate on different frequencies than does Flathead County dispatch, making communications very difficult, and even impossible, during mutual aid operations,” Gillespie said. “Sometimes, we’re also working with ALERT, Highway Patrol, or Glacier County. Communication is the lifeline that first responders need to safely and efficiently conduct emergency operations.”
Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire District responded to more than 200 fire and other emergency calls in 2024 and provided mutual aid to Hungry Horse, Martin City, Blankenship, and other nearby fire departments.
“These days, being a volunteer with this department is a lot less about fighting fire and a lot more about responding to vehicle accidents, river emergencies, backcountry incidents, people getting stuck in the snow, and more,” Gillespie said. “In the 1990s, we had about 27 calls per year. A couple of years ago, we had over 300. We could use more volunteers.”
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EWEB: Recovery Still Ongoing on the Anniversary of the 2024 Ice Storm
(Jan. 15) Almost one year ago, a double-header ice storm plowed through the Pacific Northwest, wreaking havoc on electrical infrastructure across the region. The first storm hit on Jan. 13, 2024, and a second one rolled in on Jan. 16. One year on, the resulting devastation has cost the Eugene Water & Electric Board in Oregon $9.4 million to clean up, including replacement of equipment and materials, staff time, and contracted labor—and expenses continue to roll in.
Another major infrastructure project on a transmission line that is slated for this year will cost an additional $2 million to $3 million, bringing the total to between $11.5 million and $12.5 million. EWEB used its reserve fund to absorb the initial costs of responding to the ice storm but has applied for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The utility expects reimbursement for 75% of the total costs, with reimbursement money arriving in 2025.
The 2024 storm’s duration, community impact, cost, and outage count were nearly double that of previous storms in 2016 and 2019, because of more severe weather. However, EWEB was able to resolve more outages per day per EWEB worker in 2024 because of the utility’s investment in emergency response preparation over the past few years.
“The 2024 ice storm will go down in history as one of the most damaging events for our electrical system. For some it was an inconvenience, and for others it was a devastating test from Mother Nature,” said EWEB Electric Division Manager Tyler Nice, the incident commander during the storm. “But it will also be remembered as a moment when our entire utility—and our entire community—came together to recover from a disaster.”
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Wheatland REA Announces 2025 Budget With No Rate Increase
(Jan. 15) On Dec. 17, 2024, the Wheatland Rural Electric Association (Wyo.) Board of Directors approved the 2025 budget, which includes a nearly $1.7 million investment in the electrical system. Despite this substantial investment, Wheatland REA will maintain its current rates.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Wheatland REA’s power provider, also approved its 2025 budget without a rate increase. As a result, Wheatland REA member-owners will experience no rate increase in 2025.
Wheatland REA’s board also authorized the retirement of $533,817 in capital credits. This is 5% of the total allocated capital credits and will be paid to Wheatland REA members that were allocated capital credits for the years 2007-2010.
Pend Oreille PUD Secures $1M Grant for Metaline Falls Water System
(Jan. 14) Pend Oreille PUD (Newport, Wash.) has been awarded $1 million in emergency rapid response funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce to advance critical repairs on the Metaline Falls Transmission Line. This fully funded grant replaces a previously approved $500,000 grant and $500,000 loan from the Washington State Public Works Board. To maintain project flexibility, the PUD will retain $200,000 in Public Works Board funding as a contingency for unforeseen project needs.
“This new grant represents a significant investment in our community’s infrastructure, providing the resources we need to address critical challenges without adding financial strain on our customers,” said PUD General Manager John Janney. “This funding ensures we can move forward with essential repairs while safeguarding the stability and safety of our region.”
For background, two sections of the aging water mains ruptured on a steep hillside Oct. 17, 2024, causing catastrophic failures that disrupted water service for 200 customers. The ruptures unleashed 3,000 gallons of water per minute, destabilizing the hillside and sending debris onto Highway 31, a vital transportation route near the Canadian border. While temporary bypass lines restored minimal service, the system remains insufficient for long-term reliability.
The $1 million ERR grant will allow the PUD to:
- Install a durable 12-inch pipe to replace the failed hillside section.
- Replace the remaining sections of the aging waterline.
- Implement erosion-control measures to stabilize the hillside.
- Safeguard Highway 31 to ensure access for residents and businesses.
“This fully funded grant is a game-changer,” Janney said. “It enables us to restore reliable water service and protect public safety while minimizing the financial burden on a low-income area. We deeply appreciate the Department of Commerce’s swift action and commitment to addressing the needs of our community.”
The Metaline Falls project is expected to be completed by June.
Lewis County PUD Receives Clean Accountability Audit
(Jan. 13) Lewis County PUD (Chehalis, Wash.) has received a clean accountability audit from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
The audit, which covered the period from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023, confirmed that the PUD adhered to relevant state laws, regulations, and internal policies, ensuring the protection of public resources.
“This audit highlights the hard work and commitment of our team,” said PUD General Manager David Plotz. “We are dedicated to being responsible stewards of taxpayer funds and ensuring efficient, effective government operations.”
The auditors reviewed accounts payable disbursements, procurement, accounts receivable, compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, tracking of theft-sensitive assets, and the district’s overall financial condition. The audit showed compliance and positive results across all areas.
“Our clean audits are a reflection of our skilled staff, who consistently uphold strong policies and promote a culture of accountability throughout the district,” said PUD Chief Financial Officer Doug Streeter. “We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the State Auditor’s Office to ensure the integrity of our financial systems and controls.”
Homer Electric Secures Six-Year Extension to Natural Gas Contract
(Jan. 10) Homer Electric Association (Alaska) entered into a letter agreement and an amendment to its special contract and service agreement to purchase natural gas from Enstar for an additional six years. The agreement creates a more secure source of natural gas for HEA throughout the next six years.
“The agreement with Enstar ensures that HEA has adequate fuel supply, but fuel availability remains the single biggest challenge impacting Alaska utilities today,” HEA General Manager Bradley Janorschke said.
To address these challenges, HEA will continue its pragmatic approach of investing in clean energy to diversify its generation and fuel portfolio while simultaneously taking aggressive steps to use natural gas more efficiently.
In 2024, HEA’s board of directors adopted a strategic plan focused on diversifying fuel, diversifying generation assets, and implementing upgrades to use natural gas more efficiently. Janorschke said Enstar has been a great partner for HEA. He added that “natural gas will remain a key part of HEA’s strategy for both generation and fuel use since it is a lower-cost fuel source that also is clean burning.”
HEA plans to reduce its annual natural gas consumption by approximately 21% over the next three years by incorporating 30 MW of solar energy and replacing a less efficient natural gas-generation unit with a more efficient LM6000 combustion turbine.
Alameda Makes Progress on Climate Goals, Seeks Public Input on Next Steps
(Jan. 10) Alameda, California, is making progress on its climate goals. The island city has achieved a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005. However, the city reported that additional local measures are needed to meet climate targets for 2030.
The city is seeking public feedback on its draft climate action and resiliency plan (CARP) update and its climate adaptation and hazard mitigation plan. The plans include an updated vision and goals, updated greenhouse gas-mitigation and resilience measures, and 19 location-based priority strategies to respond to flooding and rising sea level. The deadline to provide feedback is Jan. 26.
A greenhouse gas inventory conducted as part of the CARP update shows that, between 2005 and 2022, Alameda’s total emissions decreased by approximately 29%, despite population and service population growth. Alameda is over halfway to achieving its goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. This reduction has mainly been driven by Alameda Municipal Power’s shift to providing 100% clean energy in 2020 and lower transportation emissions—by about 25%—due to cleaner vehicles, reduced vehicle miles traveled, and more efficient off-road equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Natural gas emissions also decreased by about 6% due to reduced residential natural gas usage.
Emissions are expected to continue decreasing in the coming years because of adopted state policies, but not enough to meet CARP targets without also implementing additional local measures. Projected emissions, adjusted for state policy, are estimated to decrease an additional 10% from 2022 to 2030. To meet CARP targets, an additional 11% emissions reduction needs to be achieved by local policies.
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Copper Valley Electric Outlines Budget Priorities
(Jan. 9) Copper Valley Electric Association’s (Glennallen, Alaska) 2025 budget responsibly balances the need to keep member rates as low as possible, have adequate margins at the end of the year, meet key banking requirements, and complete projects that are important for improving system reliability.
Priority projects funded in the 2025 budget are:
- Valdez underground replacement in the Duck Flats area, $1.3 million.
- Valdez underground replacement in the Dayville Road area, Phase II, $800,000.
- Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project relicensing, $356,000 in 2025 and $1.5 million over eight years.
- Oil-filled circuit reclosures and sectionalizers replacements in the Copper Basin, $480,000
- Right-of-way clearing, $750,000
Other priority projects include updating the member satisfaction survey, evaluating text messaging as an option for member communications, and determining the potential impacts of the Roadbelt Intertie for CVEA members.
Public Power Council Announces 2025-2026 Officers
(Jan. 9) At its monthly meeting on Jan. 9, the Public Power Council Executive Committee elected officers for the 2025-2026 term. Elected by unanimous decision were:
- Chris Robinson, Tacoma Power (Wash.), as chair
- Libby Calnon, Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op (Ore.), as vice chair of administration and budget
- Steve Andersen, Clark Public Utilities (Vancouver, Wash.), as vice chair of allocation/rates/contracts
- Humaira Falkenberg, Pacific County PUD No. 2 (Raymond, Wash.), as vice chair of fish and wildlife
- Rich Wallen, Grant PUD (Ephrata, Wash.), as vice chair of market development
- Jim Smith, Klickitat PUD (Goldendale, Wash.), as vice chair of long-range planning
“PPC brings public power together to deliver tangible benefits to Northwest communities, and I am honored to be selected as chair to continue this legacy,” Robinson said.
Also, at its annual meeting Nov. 7, 2024, the Public Power Council announced the newly elected executive committee members, who will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2025. The above officers were elected to the executive committee of PPC for 2025-2026 along with Jim Anderson, Midstate Electric Cooperative (La Pine, Ore.); Max Beach, Idaho County Light & Power Cooperative (Grangeville, Idaho); Megan Capper, Eugene Water & Electric Board (Ore.); Bryan Case, Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative (Ashton, Idaho); Annette Creekpaum, Mason PUD 3 (Shelton, Wash.); John Dietz, McMinnville Water & Light (Ore.); Rick Dunn, Benton PUD (Kennewick, Wash.); Gary Huhta, Cowlitz PUD (Longview, Wash.); Mark Johnson, Flathead Electric Cooperative (Kalispell, Mont.); Dawn Lindell, Seattle City Light (Wash.); Joe Morgan, Modern Electric Water Company (Spokane Valley, Wash.); Bear Prairie, Idaho Falls Power (Idaho); Michael Sykes, Columbia River PUD (St. Helens, Ore.); Steve Taylor, Okanogan PUD (Wash.); and Jason Zyskowski, Snohomish County PUD (Everett, Wash.).
Columbia REA Accepting Scholarship Applications
(Jan. 9) The application period for Columbia REA (Walla Walla, Wash.) scholarships is now open. The utility’s scholarship program is designed to assist with continuing educational opportunities for qualifying Columbia REA member families by offering three $3,000 Clark A. Brewington Memorial Scholarships each year. The scholarship is named in honor of former Columbia REA General Manager Clark Brewington.
These scholarships are allocated evenly in the amount of $3,000 per year for four years—up to $12,000 total—to an accredited institution. One scholarship per Columbia REA voting district, based on the residency of the member applicant, will be awarded each year. The deadline for application is March 7.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- At the time of application, the candidate must be a high school graduate or a graduating high school senior.
- The applicant must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate educational program or training institution that would lead to a two- or four-year undergraduate degree.
- The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the candidate, or the candidate, must be a member of Columbia REA with an active electric account served by Columbia REA.
A candidate may enroll/be enrolled in any field of study and may use the scholarship at any accredited college, university, or training institution. A volunteer committee will evaluate applications, and the recipients will be announced at the Columbia REA Annual Membership Meeting in May. Applications are available at www.columbiarea.coop/community/scholarships.
Copper Valley Electric Offers New Continuing Education Scholarship
(Jan. 9) The Copper Valley Electric Association (Glennallen, Alaska) Community Foundation is offering a new continuing education scholarship that provides adults outside of high school an opportunity to apply for $2,000 to use at a postsecondary school or program of their choice. The scholarship can be used for full or part-time traditional college, trade schools, and certificate programs. Adults who qualify for the scholarship and continue to meet all eligibility requirements can apply for a $2,500 second-year scholarship.
In addition to the continuing education scholarship, the CVEA Community Foundation will also offer one $2,000 and two $1,000 general scholarships in each district in 2025 and the Idaho Youth Rally scholarship. General scholarships will be awarded to well-rounded high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education through a vocational or technical school, apprenticeship training, or a college degree program. The Idaho Youth Rally Scholarship provides high school sophomores and juniors an opportunity to attend a weeklong industry leadership camp in Caldwell, Idaho in July. Students who attend practice leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while learning about electric utility functions and issues.
Applications for CVEA Community Foundation scholarships are due 5 p.m. Alaska Time on Feb. 13.
MID, TID, and SFPUC Complete Habitat Restoration Project
(Dec. 12) Tuolumne River partners Modesto Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in California announced the construction completion of a project involving the restoration of the Tuolumne River mainstem channel upstream of Old La Grange Bridge.
The project is part of the utilities’ ongoing commitment to provide a healthy habitat for fish to thrive. MID, TID, and the SFPUC provided more than 7.5 acres of mainstem restoration, more than 2.5 acres of floodplain habitat, and more than 50,000 cubic yards of spawning gravel. These actions are expected to result in a fivefold increase of trout and salmon habitat upstream of Old La Grange Bridge.
“We remain committed to be good stewards of the Tuolumne and implement solutions to provide a healthy river habitat,” said TID General Manager Brad Koehn. “There is new spawning and in-channel habitat, and we’re encouraged as we’re already seeing fish spawning in the new gravel.”
Spawning habitats were created by cleaning, washing, and returning gravel originally removed from the river during the Gold Rush to the lower Tuolumne River in the form of riffles and gravel bars. In addition to the creation of a spawning habitat, large wood features and boulder clusters were added to increase in-channel habitat complexity and diversity.
Project design and implementation were led by McBain and Associates Applied River Sciences in collaboration with experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk and Northern Valley Yokuts tribes. Njirich and Sons Inc. was retained to complete the work, with a team that included Ford Construction.
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We Remember: Mike Lee
(Jan. 14) Retired Cowlitz PUD Lineman Michael Scott Lee, 61, passed away Jan. 5, 2025, in Kelso, Washington.
The Cowlitz PUD Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2819 in remembrance of Lee. Lee dedicated over 33 years of faithful service to Cowlitz PUD and retired in May 2023. He served on the PUD’s apprenticeship committee for eight years and was widely recognized as a mentor to groundmen and apprentice lineworkers, aiding their professional development.
Lee was esteemed by his colleagues for his quiet demeanor, diligent work ethic, and ability to tackle challenges with a positive, can-do attitude. He played a pivotal role in restoring electrical service to PUD customers following numerous significant storms throughout his career, including the 1993 Inauguration Day windstorm; the floods of November 1995 and February 1996; the December 2008 snowstorm; the April 2022 snowstorm; and various other snow, ice, and wind events.
Lee was known for his willingness to drop everything to assist family members or friends in need. He used his skills and experience for the benefit of others without ever accepting compensation. His actions exemplified the true spirit of selfless service to others.
We Remember: Grace Villarreal
(Nov. 25) Inside Passage Electric Cooperative Board Member Grace Villarreal of Hoonah, Alaska, passed away Nov. 24, 2024.
Villarreal was appointed to fill a vacancy in the IPEC Hoonah District in November 2009 and faithfully served since then. She was a past president of IPEC and served as vice president at the time of her passing.
She was a devoted board member and a credentialed cooperative director certified by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Azim Lalani Appointed CFO of Tantalus Systems
(Jan. 13) Tantalus Systems announced that Azim Lalani has been appointed as its chief financial officer. Lalani replaces Tantalus CFO George Reznik, who will leave the company Jan. 24.
“We are truly appreciative of the contributions made by George as our CFO and as a key member of our team,” said Peter Londa, president and CEO of Tantalus. “George was instrumental in helping Tantalus migrate to the public markets, scaling our business, and managing the significant investment required to commercialize the TRUSense Gateway. We thank George for his contributions and are looking forward to adding Azim to our team. Azim has extensive financial, organizational, and capital markets expertise to help the company as we enter our next phase of growth and profitability.”
Lalani was formerly the CFO of AutoCanada, a leading North American automotive dealership group with revenues of approximately CA$6 billion. Lalani was also the CFO of American Hotel Income Properties REIT, where he oversaw the REIT’s growth from an enterprise value of US$350 million to over US$1.1 billion with a diversified portfolio of franchised hotels across the United States. At Tantalus, Lalani will be responsible for financial reporting, accounting, treasury, financial planning, and tax. He will also be actively involved in capital markets planning and investor relations.
Lalani is a corporate director and board chair of UBC Investment Management Trust, a professional investment management company with over CA$6 billion in assets under management. Lalani is a CPA (Canada) and CBV. He started his career with KPMG LLP in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tantalus Systems is a smart grid technology company focused on helping build sustainable utilities. For more information, visit www.tantalus.com.
PNGC Power Wins New ERA Grant to Build Renewable Generation
(Jan. 15) PNGC Power will receive a $78.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Rural Utility Service’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program to invest in new renewable electric generating resources in the rural Oregon communities of Crook and Jefferson counties.
The funding will enable the development of 240 megawatts of new renewable solar projects and associated battery storage. This is enough energy to power over 192,000 households annually while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to operating 92,000 gasoline-powered cars each year. This power will be distributed to PNGC Power’s 25 cooperative utilities in seven states.
“PNGC Power’s mission is to enable its 25 cooperative members to meet the growing energy needs of their communities, which includes integrating diverse renewable energy into our energy portfolio. These projects located in Central Oregon are the first step in this future,” said Jessica Matlock, president and CEO of PNGC Power. “These solar energy and battery power projects demonstrate our leading role in enhancing energy reliability, resiliency, clean energy, and affordability for our members across seven western states. This funding supports PNGC Power’s ability to develop energy solutions and deliver stable rates in a fluctuating and constrained energy market.”
PNGC Power is the Bonneville Power Administration’s largest preference power customer. With a membership that spans over 431,000 meters across seven western states, PNGC Power continues to experience significant growth. For more information, visit www.pngcpower.com.
ISPC Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence and Partnership
(Jan. 7) This year, the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to the electric utility industry. As a nonprofit organization, ISPC has been at the forefront of advancing craft, safety, and leadership training through onsite services and comprehensive offsite curriculum development.
Over the past two decades, ISPC has also contributed significantly to the industry by participating on numerous utility-related committees and boards, serving as trusted subject matter experts, and providing tailored consulting solutions to meet the unique needs of its partners.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the customers and organizations that have collaborated with us throughout this journey,” said ISPC Executive Director Mack Turner. “Your trust and partnership have been integral to our mission of fostering a safer and more skilled workforce.”
Looking to the future, ISPC remains committed to advancing safety and training initiatives, continuing to partner with the industry for many years to come.
“Thank you for being part of our story—here’s to the next 20 years and beyond,” Turner said.
ISPC is an electric utility industry association focusing on safety and training for lineworkers throughout North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.ispconline.com.