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Grant PUD celebrates new license for its Columbia River dams EPHRATA, WA –The federal government awarded Grant PUD a new hydropower license giving Grant PUD commissioners, employees and county residents assurance that Priest Rapids Project power will be available to them as a source of clean, renewable, carbon-free and affordable energy for years into the future. The license approved at the April 17 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) meeting gives Grant PUD continued ownership and operation of the Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams on the Columbia River. Together, Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams produce nearly 2,000 megawatts of renewable hydroelectricity. Because the dams are on a federal waterway, they fall under FERC’s jurisdiction to ensure that all public interests are addressed. “We are honored and privileged to receive this new long-term license,” said Commission President, Tom Flint. “Grant PUD has always acted in the best interests of our ratepayers to protect the natural, cultural and power resources associated with the project and we look forward to continuing those efforts over the term of the next license.” To obtain the new license Grant PUD worked with a wide range of stakeholders to maximize electricity generated by the dams while intensifying efforts to protect fish, other natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities along the river. Additional work in these areas is expected to exceed $1 billion over the term of the license. Projects like replacement of turbines with advanced technology models, construction of a bypass that offers fish alternate passage through the dam and operation of a new fish trap that allows for detailed fish research are projects already underway in support of the new Priest Rapids Project license. Additional efforts planned over the course of the license will further improve dam operations and work to protect resources while optimizing power output from the project. These improvements to environmental protection and energy efficiency will increase the cost of power from the dams, but Project power will still be less costly than alternative sources of energy. Utility customers outside of Grant County also benefit from Grant PUD dams, since 30 percent of the power is sold to 23 other Northwest utilities. “Grant PUD earned this license because of our strong record of stewardship,” said General Manager, Tim Culbertson. “Our relicensing effort was a collaborative process that resulted in agreements, settlements and a broadly supported plan to protect and enhance all resources along the river. This accomplishment honors the legacy and forethought of those that had the vision to build these dams and provides a clear roadmap for the future.” “A new license will mean continued operations and maintenance while staying committed to meet the needs for all resources and people which will include the Wanapum, this I believe,” said Wanapum Tribal Leader, Rex Buck. Just as Priest Rapids Project improvements ushered in the actual license award, events over the coming months precede the official celebration planned for August 21. Residents and officials from the Pacific Northwest and the nation are invited to join Grant County residents at this historic event culminating more than a decade of study, collaboration and settlement discussions. Photos and b-roll available: What others are saying: Obtaining approval of this long-term license is a huge achievement -- not just for Grant County PUD -- but for the energy security of the entire Northwest. I congratulate Grant PUD for reaching this milestone, which will ensure that Wanapum and Priest Rapids Dams continue producing nearly 2,000 megawatts of environmentally-clean electricity for years to come. Being the first Commissioner from the State of Washington is significant to me as we vote on this order that relicenses a significant source of renewable power located in my home state. A hydropower project of this size (approx. 1900 megawatts) is the second largest in the nation and is an important resource of renewable energy for the Pacific Northwest. I congratulate the Grant Public Utility District, federal and state resource agencies, tribes and others for working together and reaching settlement on very difficult issues that are now part of the license. I want to congratulate the Grant PUD commissioners and PUD employees on the successful re-licensing of the Priest Rapids hydroelectric project. Tacoma Public Utilities has been a wholesale power purchase partner with Grant PUD in the Priest Rapids project since its inception. We are aware of the difficult and complex issues that have arisen in the relicensing process, and of the contributions of countless PUD executives and employees who over many years have helped achieve this success. On behalf of the customers of Tacoma Public Utilities, I want to express appreciation that the re-licensing has been achieved in a manner which ensures the continuing economic viability of the Project and which provides long term benefits to electric ratepayers. Grant PUD’s collaborative success benefits the region as we face many challenges in meeting the growing demand for energy and in addressing climate change. The Priest Rapids Project is a vital asset in meeting those challenges. Congratulations to Grant County PUD on the issuance of a new operating license. The clean and renewable hydropower that is generated by Grant PUD is a valuable resource for our region and our customers. We are very pleased that the benefits of this project will be assured for the life of this new license. # #
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Grant County Public Utility District News Release © 2008