Printable PDF

Renewable Hydropower Serves as Domestic Energy Solution
Members of the U.S. House Hear Testimony by Grant PUD General Manager

EPHRATA, WA – Today Tim Culbertson addressed members of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of hydropower as the emissions-free energy solution for the nation. Grant PUD’s general manager spoke before the Subcommittee on Water and Power’s oversight hearing on hydropower’s potential role as a renewable resource.

Invited by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents citizens in Eastern Washington’s District Five, Culbertson joined witnesses recognized nationally for their efforts on behalf of hydroelectricity, public power and renewable energy.

Culbertson’s testimony focused on the tremendous untapped potential of clean renewable hydroelectric generation in the United States. While existing hydropower avoids over 190 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, fully developing potential U.S. hydroelectric capacity would eliminate an additional 250 million tons per year.

Culbertson also cited hydropower’s reliability and efficiency compared to other more intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Developing the untapped potential of hydro will require recognition of its value as a renewable resource by Congress and individual states. Funding for research and development at the federal level as well as economic incentives are also necessary.

“The bottom line is that there is significant untapped emissions-free hydroelectric generation potential in the U.S.,” stated Culbertson.

With the capacity to produce 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity, the Priest Rapids Project in Grant County produces enough power to supply a city the size of Seattle. Grant PUD has already begun to optimize existing water resources with more efficient hydro generating equipment. New turbine replacements at Wanapum Dam improve fish protection and increase generation capacity by 138 megawatts (from 1,755 MW to 1,893 MW).

Culbertson was previously invited to speak on water supply issues related to climate change and hydropower before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Water and Power in June 2007.

“Tim Culbertson gives Grant County citizens a voice in our nation’s capital,” stated Grant PUD Commission President Tom Flint. “His depth of experience and detailed knowledge about hydropower’s capacity as the ultimate renewable resource is an asset to the citizens of Grant County and the Pacific Northwest.”

Information on Culbertson’s testimony and the full list of witnesses can be found at the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources – Water and Power Web site:

#                                                          #

Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942.  Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle.  A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dorothy Harris
(509) 793-1516 / dharris@gcpud.org

Grant County Public Utility District News Release © 2008