The public power industry was organized by the communities we live in to bring electricity to the rural and vulnerable communities that investor owner power companies refused to serve.
Overly aggressive clean energy policies in Washington and Oregon have boxed many Northwest utilities into a corner by taking reliable technologies off the table before we have dependable carbon-free replacements like nuclear in place.
The widespread expansion of digital data centers, the energy-intensive nature of crypto mining, the growth of our manufacturing sector and an increasing population all contribute to a rising demand for electricity.
We continue to make progress on the Tri-Cities Reinforcement Project, which will significantly increase the amount of electricity that can flow into the local area. This program includes three power line upgrades, a suite of fiber and substation reinforcements and one new line called the South of Tri-Cities Reinforcement Project.
Meet the 34-year-old who is tapping into the expertise and connections he gained during his time in politics to take on a new role in the Tri-Cities: the first-ever executive director of the Energy Forward Alliance.
A state advisory council will decide in January whether to green light a Tri-Cities-based wind farm project to the governor’s office for approval. Scout Clean Energy’s proposal could mean more than 200 turbines along the Horse Heaven ridges in Benton County directly south of Kennewick and to the south and west of the Columbia River.
As we navigate the intricate landscape of energy policy, it becomes evident that our focus on advanced nuclear innovation and a resilient energy grid is imperative and sets the stage for a future characterized by environmental stewardship, economic growth and energy security.
We believe innovative solutions are needed now more than ever and the best way to find them would be to involve industry experts that actually understand the potential impacts on the electric system and consumers.
The WSU Tri-Cities program includes an ambassador network that connects students with mentors, as well as the development of an energy and sustainability certificate that will help students on the path to future careers. The idea is to empower students to bring their unique backgrounds and expertiseto clean energy and climate innovation.