Collaboration. To define it simply it would be “working together toward a common goal.” When two or more people (or organizations) work on different aspects of a project independently, they are at best coordinated. However, when there is a common need and people get together to help one another, that is collaboration. There is so much strength in collaboration. In my opinion, it is not just the key to achieving goals and objectives, it paves the way for superior outcomes.

Organizations must come together to navigate challenges, find innovative solutions and adapt to be able to meet their respective goals and their customers’ needs. When we collaborate, it enables us to pool our resources, knowledge and expertise, leading to better outcomes.

At Franklin PUD we are proud of the relationships we have built with other local organizations and the opportunities for collaboration that it has afforded us. As a local utility provider, many aspects of the business that we do affect other agencies and their work.

Electrical capacity

Recently, while in discussions with one of our community partners, the idea of collaborating to conduct a long-range analysis on the community impacts of transmission system constraints, state-mandated electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements, and electrical capacity limitations on community growth within Franklin County was born. Ultimately, this initial discussion brought together five entities that approved a scope for a study that will assist in determining electrical system constraints and needs from the transmission level down to commercial EV fleet and smaller charging station needs.

This study is critical for Franklin County as a whole because like most of the Northwest, we continue to face unprecedented growth. The Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee forecasts electricity consumption could increase by 30% in the next 10 years for the Pacific Northwest.

This study will help identify those areas within Franklin County where there is available capacity for serving new load and/or interconnecting various inverter-based resources as well as areas that currently lack capacity or infrastructure to accommodate new loads. This study will help Franklin PUD make the most efficient use of our resources by enabling us to cooperate with the city of Pasco, Port of Pasco, Big Bend Electric Cooperative, Columbia Basin College and other agencies on a basis of mutual advantage and provide services and facilities in a manner that best fits the needs and development of our local communities.

The electrical system study will help analyze our electric system’s ability to handle peak demands without sacrificing performance or reliability and put a plan in place to help meet future needs. Electrical system studies help assess the maximum load that components of the electric system such as transformers, substations and transmission lines can handle. They also help identify bottlenecks within the electric system, provide insight into the necessary upgrades needed and are essential for long-term planning.

EV charging mandates

Washington state EV charging mandates now require that 30% of required parking spaces be set aside for EV charging. This requirement applies to any new or updated commercial construction. Meeting this requirement will increase electrical kW demand on the system and in many areas will require system upgrades at significant cost to the customer. The electric system study will provide valuable information on system constraints and determine the magnitude of system improvements that will be required to meet this increased system load.

By coming together with common interests, a scope of study was developed that will help each entity better understand and identify what critical infrastructure must be in place to have the ability to meet their power system demands. It will help each of us understand what will be required from a multifaceted approach involving multiple agencies within the area, regulatory bodies, engineering firms and other stakeholders. The goal: ensuring reliable, resilient and efficient power that can adapt to growing and shifting energy demands. 

SMR development

Another collaborative effort that Franklin PUD is happy to be a part of is with Energy Northwest and 16 other utilities in the region who have kicked off a series of discussions and investments to help meet the climate goals of the state, contributing nearly $1 million toward the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Notably, on Oct. 16, 2024, Energy Northwest announced its partnership with Amazon and X-energy to begin the feasibility phase of a small modular reactor project near Columbia Generating Station in Richland. Amazon’s funding will support two years of thorough and robust environmental, safety, permitting, licensing and risk analyses leading up to a request of formal approval of the project from Energy Northwest members including Franklin PUD. If approved, Energy Northwest would then apply for a construction permit. Franklin PUD is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.

As we move forward with accomplishing our goals, we will continue to collaborate with our community partners. We cannot accomplish things alone. We must work together to build a brighter future for all our communities.

Scott Rhees is Franklin PUD’s general manager and chief executive officer.