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October 13, 2009

Expanding Hydropower Nationwide Creates New Jobs
Tim Culbertson Joins Industry Leaders to Unveil Hydro Job Study

EPHRATA, WA –Grant PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson returns to the nation’s capital this week to join industry leaders from 15 utilities and organizations supporting hydro’s significant role in the nation’s quest for energy solutions.

More than 700,000 new, family-supporting jobs and 60,000 MW of new, domestic, renewable power are possible if Congress enacts policies supporting hydro as a renewable energy resource. This additional energy would be enough to power 17 million households.

Grant PUD joined other National Hydropower Association (NHA) members to coordinate the independent study finding hydro has a significant role to play in a successful federal renewable energy standard.

“We’ve been dedicated supporters of the untapped, emissions-free hydroelectric generation potential of hydropower,” Culbertson stated. “We look forward to sharing the results of this study with those in Congress and the administration. We value discussions with those who recognize hydro’s value and those who may not be as familiar with the benefits and the jobs this renewable energy resource provides for American families.”

This week’s CEO council is the second such event organized by NHA. The group last met in March and launched an independent study of hydro’s potential to create new jobs and additional capacity. The group plans to remain active in the national energy dialogue.

”Grant PUD has greatly benefited from Tim Culbertson’s work as an industry leader,” said Grant PUD Commission President, Terry Brewer. “Complementing his efforts, Andrew Munro’s role as president of NHA gives Grant County residents a significant voice at the national level. Working together, they promote Grant PUD success stories at every corner. Initiatives such as this study supporting hydro’s role as both a low-cost source of renewable energy and a major job engine are made possible because of their roles at NHA and in the industry.”

With the capacity to produce 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity, the Priest Rapids Project can produce enough power to supply a city the size of Seattle. Grant PUD has already begun to optimize existing water resources with more efficient equipment. New turbine replacements and a fish bypass at Wanapum Dam improve fish protection and increase generation capacity. Upcoming work to begin installing new generators will further enhance the power output of Wanapum Dam.

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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:
Sarah Morford
(509) 793-6633 / smorfor@gcpud.org