OPALCO + PNGC = More Power to Shape Our Islands’ Energy Future

— from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO —

PNGC Board of Directors, L to R: Robert Echenrode—Umatilla Electric, Roman Gillen—Consumers Power, Board Chair, Dave Hagen—Clearwater Power, Annie Terracciano—Northern Lights, Board Secretary/Treasurer, Foster Hildreth—OPALCO, Ray Ellis—Lincoln Electric, Bryan Case—Fall River, David Gottula—Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, Bob Perry—West Oregon Electric Cooperative, Matt Michel—Lane Electric, Werner Buehler—Douglas Electric, Kurt Anderson—Raft River. (Not pictured: Dave Markham—Central Electric, Vice-Chair, Joe Jarvis—Blachly-Lane, Roger Meader—Coos-Curry Electric)

PNGC is a power supplier and cooperative of 15 regional electric cooperative utilities who are banding together to build greater access to affordable power, renewable resources and to influence public policy. It also increases OPALCO’s buying power as we plan for an energy future that includes more renewable and clean energy sources.

Foster Hildreth, General Manager, joined the PNGC board in 2017 to participate in a regional dialogue about our power generation options post 2028 when our current contract with BPA expires. PNGC is advocating for its member utilities with state and federal elected officials and helping to navigate major topics such as the Columbia River Treaty with Canada.

“Our industry is changing rapidly,” said Hildreth. “The expertise we gain through PNGC’s top-notch team is the most important long-term strategic cost-saving measure we could put in place.” PNGC is an extension of OPALCO now to improve reliability, provide accelerated resource planning, more direct interaction with BPA for billing, project management, and more accurate forecasting for power purchases. “Joining forces with other energy co-ops,” said Hildreth, “gives us the buying power of BPA’s third largest customer.”

“PNGC Power is strengthened by having OPALCO at the table,” says Beth Looney, President & CEO of PNGC. “Staying current in today’s complex transmission and power arenas requires constant attention.  We focus on what matters to our members and to their bottom lines – delivering the lowest cost wholesale power to our members. OPALCO’s unique voice will add to the PNGC conversation as we look to the future and chart our path.”

PNGC Power is a forward-looking power supplier, focused on responsible, affordable energy solutions for its members. PNGC believes in a pro-renewable, reduced carbon approach, as they see those technologies as the future of power supply in the Northwest.

“I’m excited for the wisdom, reach and resources that PNGC brings to our co-op membership,” said Hildreth. “I know we’re in good hands and I strongly encourage other co-ops to reach out to PNGC for membership.”

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.