Business

PSE extends supply contract from 774.3-MW Wells Hydroelectric

PSE extends supply contract from 774.3-MW Wells Hydroelectric
(Good Wells NE side)

Puget Sound Energy has recently extended a hydropower supply contract for about 40 MW of clean energy, continuing a partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Douglas County PUD.

PSE and Douglas PUD negotiated an extension on a power sales agreement that will provide PSE a 5.5% share of hydroelectric power produced by the 774.3-MW Wells Hydroelectric Project, on the Columbia River, for the next three years.

“I am happy to announce that the Colville Confederated Tribes approved the sale of 5.5% of our Wells Dam power allocation to Puget Sound Energy,” said Rodney Cawston, chairman of the Tribal Council. “Puget Sound Energy has a strong commitment to support the Pacific Northwest’s economic recovery and their infrastructure platform provides a strong foundation to expand cleaner energy resources to protect the environment. The Colville Tribe appreciates these values and we hope to develop a strong relationship with Puget Sound Energy. It is important for the Colville Tribe to seek stable returns to support our essential governmental services.”

Douglas PUD marketed the power on behalf of the Colville Tribe from its slice of the project. PSE will derive about 25 average MW of emissions-free hydropower under this agreement.

“Having this additional carbon-free resource is important to PSE and its customers,” said PSE Vice President of Energy Supply Ron Roberts. “When we have a stable energy supply from these great projects, it will help ensure that we have another energy source for our customers during the peak winter months.”

This agreement helps PSE make progress in its commitment of working together to create a clean energy future for all while setting an aspirational goal to be a Beyond Net Zero Carbon company by 2045. PSE will target reducing its own carbon emissions to net zero and go beyond by helping other sectors to enable carbon reduction across the state of Washington, according to a press release.