Council sixth power plan

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is developing its sixth regional Power Plan as required by the Northwest Power Act.  The work on the new Plan has begun and the Council hopes to publish it in mid 2009. 

This Plan is important to PNUCC members for several reasons.   It provides a regional vehicle for communicating to policy makers and the public, the electric power industry’s state of affairs and future challenges.  It provides an independent view on a variety of topics including the region’s power system adequacy and the potential for additional energy savings and generating resources.  This Plan will also include a methodology that defines Washington utilities’ conservation requirements.  And, if BPA decides to acquire major resources, their acquisitions will be reviewed in light of this regional Power Plan.  

PNUCC members are engaged with Council members and staff to develop a comprehensive and useful regional plan that reflects PNUCC members' view of the current power system and future challenges.  The PNUCC Board of Directors has developed a scope of work that articulates our goals that includes:

• PNUCC members and the Council share a common view of the current power system
• The Power Plan accurately describes the NW power system and the future we face to   maintain an adequate and affordable power supply
• The complex issues associated with the power industry are well understood