April 2009 Issue

See all the presentations from the April Council meeting.

Status of the Sixth Power Plan

Council members reviewed the preliminary findings of the Sixth Power Plan and discussed a range of options regarding the future of the power system. Particular focus centered on methods to reduce carbon emissions; the resources available to meet future demand; the need for increased flexibility to meet peak demand; and the Council's approach to determining a resource strategy. Most notable was the significant amount of cost-effective energy efficiency that the Council believes is achievable: about 6,000 average megawatts. The release of the draft plan was rescheduled for June.

Economic Advisory Board Reports on the Connection between the Power Plan and Fish and Wildlife

Dr. Joel Hamilton and Dr. Noelwah Netusil of the Independent Economic Advisory Board presented their report (150k PDF) on the interactions between the Council's Power Plan and its Fish and Wildlife Program. Along with the impact of hydroelectric system operations on fish and wildlife, the board also evaluated the possible effects of environmental credits, increased renewable generation, and changes in water storage.

Council Approves Funding of Fish Accord Projects

Council members agreed to fund the next steps to implement four fish accord projects sponsored by the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.