December 2008 Issue

Adding More Wind Power to the Northwest's System Is Possible, According to Renewable Advocacy Report

Rachel Shimshak and Ken Dragoon of the Renewable Northwest Project, a coalition that promotes renewable resources, presented a report (2mb PDF) on the region's progress to integrate wind power into the power system. Noting the booming growth in wind development, Shimshak said the report found that the region could integrate 6,000 megawatts of wind energy into the system, but added there are a number of institutional and operational changes that need to happen to accommodate more wind. She said wind currently makes up about 2-3 percent of the Northwest's generation, and a Department of Energy study found that wind power could meet 20 percent of electric power consumption.

NOAA Fisheries Outlines Plans for Upcoming Hatchery Consultations

Rob Walton, NOAA Fisheries, briefed (520k PDF) the Council on the agency's plans regarding hatchery reform in the Columbia River Basin. Emphasizing NOAA's goal to balance multiple objectives, from creating sustainable fisheries to protecting the ocean environment, Walton said the agency would start its consultations in the Upper Columbia, followed by the Mid-Columbia, and then the Snake areas. Some of the challenges, he said, will be to do the work with limited resources and to be clear on what constitutes best practices and the best available science. He noted that it will be important to work with the Council's expertise to meet those challenges. Council member Tom Karier asked Walton what NOAA's measurement of success was, and Walton said that the agency will answer that question in an executive summary.

Region's Utilities Offer Their Perspective on Conservation

A panel of Northwest utility representatives provided their views on conservation and its role in their resource planning. Panel members included:  Scott Corwin, Public Power Council; Bill Drummond, Western Montana G&T; Rick Crinklaw, Lane Electric Cooperative; Steve Klein, Snohomish County PUD; and Bob Pierce, Clearwater Power Company. One of the main points made by each of the panel members was that Bonneville Power Administration programs are often a poor fit for their particular service area or utility. All panel members stressed the importance of local design and control of conservation programs. Summarizing the remarks of the panel, Mr. Crinklaw underscored the need to acquire cost-effective conservation, but noted the following requirements:  1) greater control; 2) higher incentives to acquire conservation; 3) establishing firm goals that are achievable, reasonable, and developed through collaboration; 4) BPA's role should be to support these regional goals; and 5) support of the Council's principles, targets, and implementation. Read more (520k PDF).

Council's Fish and Wildlife Program Will Not Affect the Reliability and Economy of the Region's Power Supply, According to Draft Analysis

John Fazio, power division, and Jim Ruff, fish and wildlife division, presented their draft analysis (120k PDF) of how the implementation of the Council's 2009 Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program will affect the adequacy, efficiency, economy or reliability of the power supply. They said that the program will not affect the power supply in a way that cannot be handled in a timely manner, and that the regional power supply is adequate through the next five years.

U.S. and Canada Reviewing Columbia River Treaty for Possible Changes

Rick Prendergrass and Steve Oliver, Bonneville Power Administration, briefed (3.8mb PDF) the Council on the Columbia River Treaty 2014/2024 Review. The United States and Canada are currently reviewing the 1961 treaty to evaluate how well its provisions are serving the objectives of both countries. Either country can terminate most of the provisions on or after September 2024, with 10 years' written notice.