Spokane/East. Wash/North Idaho News Releases for Mon. Feb. 6 - 9:54 am
02/02/12
New pilot saves customers money and reduces BPA reserve requirementsBonneville Power Administration - 02/02/12
PR 07 12
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
CONTACT: Doug Johnson 503-230-5840
or 503-230-5131
New pilot saves customers money and reduces BPA reserve requirements
Committed Intra-Hour scheduling pilot will advance renewable energy integration
Portland, Ore. – Two Bonneville Power Administration customers have committed to faster-paced energy schedules, increasing the electric grid’s flexibility to absorb changes in wind energy generation and reducing costs for both the customers and BPA.
Portland General Electric and Snohomish PUD will schedule transmission of energy through BPA’s system every half hour – doubling the previous pace of once an hour -- in exchange for a 34 percent reduction in the rate BPA charges for balancing services. The more frequent scheduling helps the energy market better adjust to fluctuations in wind generation.
For more than a century, the Northwest’s transmission system has operated by scheduling deliveries on the hour. However, that means BPA must hold enough generating capacity in reserve to make up the difference between what wind generators expect to deliver to the grid in any 60 minute period and what their turbines actually produce. More frequent scheduling lets wind producers match their schedules more closely to output, reducing the demand on BPA’s hydroelectric capacity.
BPA manages 75 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s high voltage electric transmission system.
"During our most recent rate case, we worked with our customers to create a pilot that would save them money and help us find options other than the hydro system to balance increasing amounts of wind," said Elliot Mainzer, executive vice president, BPA Strategic Planning. "We continue to look for innovative ways to integrate renewable energy sources and stretch the value of the hydro system."
"We feel BPA's advancement of intra-hour scheduling will facilitate additional renewable energy on the grid, benefiting rate payers, the regional economy and the environment," said Rachel Shimshak, executive director, Renewable Northwest Project. "As our region adopts a resource mix that includes more new renewables and less fossil fuel, intra-hour scheduling will play a key role within the suite of solutions necessary to accommodate clean energy."
PGE will employ intra-hour schedules for 450 megawatts of wind it operates within the BPA grid. Snohomish PUD will do the same for 97 megawatts of its wind energy. Because of these commitments, BPA will reduce by 23 megawatts the balancing reserves it holds in case wind facilities generate less energy than scheduled and 34 megawatts of reserves it holds in case wind plants produce more energy than scheduled. Removing these reserves provides BPA with operational flexibility to meet other hydro system requirements.
"We expect our participation in this pilot will help reduce our balancing charges for wind integration," said Snohomish PUD Senior Manager of Power Scheduling Kelly Wallace. "It has provided a valuable learning opportunity in committed intra hour scheduling in large part due to our successful collaboration with our pilot partners and BPA."
"It is important that all of us in the region work collaboratively to find fair, efficient, cost-effective ways to integrate the increasing amounts of variable, renewable power our customers want on the electric grid," said Jim Lobdell, PGE’s vice president of power operations and resource strategy. "Intra-hour scheduling is one tool that can help make the system more resilient, and we’re pleased to work with BPA to move this forward."
During this two-year rate period from Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2013, BPA is inviting participation in the pilot for up to 1,200 megawatts of wind energy. The amount of wind identified for participation to date accounts for just less than half the available space in the pilot.
Voluntary intra-hour scheduling has increased steadily over the past three years. However, because the practice was voluntary BPA could not discount its variable energy integration rate because it could not predict how often certain utilities would use the tool and at which wind plants.
BPA customers have pursued intra-hour scheduling even without discounts, though. A two-phase voluntary intra-hour scheduling pilot began in 2009. Under this initial pilot, BPA allowed only increases to schedules, which did somewhat limit participation.
Between January and September 2011, voluntary intra-hour schedules averaged about 5,440 megawatt hours per month. But that amount swelled to an average of approximately 17,240 megawatt hours per month between October and December 2011, when BPA opened the pilot to decreases in schedules and initiated a pilot with the California ISO opening intra-hour scheduling for Northwest generators who send power to California.
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
###
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
CONTACT: Doug Johnson 503-230-5840
or 503-230-5131
New pilot saves customers money and reduces BPA reserve requirements
Committed Intra-Hour scheduling pilot will advance renewable energy integration
Portland, Ore. – Two Bonneville Power Administration customers have committed to faster-paced energy schedules, increasing the electric grid’s flexibility to absorb changes in wind energy generation and reducing costs for both the customers and BPA.
Portland General Electric and Snohomish PUD will schedule transmission of energy through BPA’s system every half hour – doubling the previous pace of once an hour -- in exchange for a 34 percent reduction in the rate BPA charges for balancing services. The more frequent scheduling helps the energy market better adjust to fluctuations in wind generation.
For more than a century, the Northwest’s transmission system has operated by scheduling deliveries on the hour. However, that means BPA must hold enough generating capacity in reserve to make up the difference between what wind generators expect to deliver to the grid in any 60 minute period and what their turbines actually produce. More frequent scheduling lets wind producers match their schedules more closely to output, reducing the demand on BPA’s hydroelectric capacity.
BPA manages 75 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s high voltage electric transmission system.
"During our most recent rate case, we worked with our customers to create a pilot that would save them money and help us find options other than the hydro system to balance increasing amounts of wind," said Elliot Mainzer, executive vice president, BPA Strategic Planning. "We continue to look for innovative ways to integrate renewable energy sources and stretch the value of the hydro system."
"We feel BPA's advancement of intra-hour scheduling will facilitate additional renewable energy on the grid, benefiting rate payers, the regional economy and the environment," said Rachel Shimshak, executive director, Renewable Northwest Project. "As our region adopts a resource mix that includes more new renewables and less fossil fuel, intra-hour scheduling will play a key role within the suite of solutions necessary to accommodate clean energy."
PGE will employ intra-hour schedules for 450 megawatts of wind it operates within the BPA grid. Snohomish PUD will do the same for 97 megawatts of its wind energy. Because of these commitments, BPA will reduce by 23 megawatts the balancing reserves it holds in case wind facilities generate less energy than scheduled and 34 megawatts of reserves it holds in case wind plants produce more energy than scheduled. Removing these reserves provides BPA with operational flexibility to meet other hydro system requirements.
"We expect our participation in this pilot will help reduce our balancing charges for wind integration," said Snohomish PUD Senior Manager of Power Scheduling Kelly Wallace. "It has provided a valuable learning opportunity in committed intra hour scheduling in large part due to our successful collaboration with our pilot partners and BPA."
"It is important that all of us in the region work collaboratively to find fair, efficient, cost-effective ways to integrate the increasing amounts of variable, renewable power our customers want on the electric grid," said Jim Lobdell, PGE’s vice president of power operations and resource strategy. "Intra-hour scheduling is one tool that can help make the system more resilient, and we’re pleased to work with BPA to move this forward."
During this two-year rate period from Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2013, BPA is inviting participation in the pilot for up to 1,200 megawatts of wind energy. The amount of wind identified for participation to date accounts for just less than half the available space in the pilot.
Voluntary intra-hour scheduling has increased steadily over the past three years. However, because the practice was voluntary BPA could not discount its variable energy integration rate because it could not predict how often certain utilities would use the tool and at which wind plants.
BPA customers have pursued intra-hour scheduling even without discounts, though. A two-phase voluntary intra-hour scheduling pilot began in 2009. Under this initial pilot, BPA allowed only increases to schedules, which did somewhat limit participation.
Between January and September 2011, voluntary intra-hour schedules averaged about 5,440 megawatt hours per month. But that amount swelled to an average of approximately 17,240 megawatt hours per month between October and December 2011, when BPA opened the pilot to decreases in schedules and initiated a pilot with the California ISO opening intra-hour scheduling for Northwest generators who send power to California.
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
###
Parkway Elementary Parents Invited to "Celebrate the Family"
Clarkston School Dist. - 02/02/12
Clarkston School Dist. - 02/02/12
CLARKSTON, WA – The week of February 6th through 10th encourages parents and familes of Parkway Elementary in Clarkston to "Celebrate the Family." This week includes many great opportunities for families to spend quality time with their children at school.
Beginning Tuesday, February 7, families may join their student in making a book together during Family Book Night from 3:30 to 5 PM or 5:30 to 7 PM in the Parkway Library. The following day on Wednesday, February 8, both the Family Breakfast and Lunch with Your Child take place in the school cafeteria. Families can start the day off by sitting down for breakfast from 8 to 8:30 AM, and/or stop by for lunch during the allotted lunch time for each grade level. (A menu is enclosed with the attached flyer.)
Families of students at Parkway Elementary in Clarkston are encouraged to participate in the great activities happening at the school during "Celebrating the Family" week. For more information on the details of these events, see the enclosed flyer or contact Gail DeBoer at 509.769.5563 or DeBoerG@csdk12.org.
###
Attached Media Files: Celebrating Families flyer
Beginning Tuesday, February 7, families may join their student in making a book together during Family Book Night from 3:30 to 5 PM or 5:30 to 7 PM in the Parkway Library. The following day on Wednesday, February 8, both the Family Breakfast and Lunch with Your Child take place in the school cafeteria. Families can start the day off by sitting down for breakfast from 8 to 8:30 AM, and/or stop by for lunch during the allotted lunch time for each grade level. (A menu is enclosed with the attached flyer.)
Families of students at Parkway Elementary in Clarkston are encouraged to participate in the great activities happening at the school during "Celebrating the Family" week. For more information on the details of these events, see the enclosed flyer or contact Gail DeBoer at 509.769.5563 or DeBoerG@csdk12.org.
###
Attached Media Files: Celebrating Families flyer
01/29/12
Three Separate Traffic Stops by OSP Troopers in Douglas County Leads to Arrests and Seizure of 12 lbs of Marijuana
Oregon State Police - 01/29/12
According to Sergeant Dave Randall, the first traffic stop occurred January 26, 2012 at approximately 10: 13 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 121. The trooper stopped a 2009 Nissan Xterra and contacted driver CHERI KRAFFT-FREDERIKSEN, age 36, from Monterey Beach, California. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately 6 pounds of marijuana found inside the vehicle.
The second stop occurred January 27th at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 119. The trooper stopped a 1996 BMW two-door driven by REILLY McGOODWIN-YOUNG, age 23, from Talent, Oregon. With the assistance of a drug detection canine, two pounds of marijuana was found inside the vehicle.
The third stop occurred January 28th at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 90. The trooper stopped a 1993 Oldsmobile driven by RICHARD J. HAWKS, age 29, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of nearly 4 pounds of marijuana found inside the vehicle.
KRAFTT-FREDERIKSEN and McGOODWIN-YOUNG were both cited and released to appear at a later date in Douglas County Circuit Court. HAWKS was lodged in the Douglas County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Marijuana.
Photograph Source: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Note: No photographs available of KRAFFT-FREDERIKSEN and McGOODWIN-YOUNG.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Attached Media Files: Hawks
Oregon State Police - 01/29/12
Hawks
Three different traffic stops by Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers during the last three days led to the arrest of three people and the seizure of a total of nearly 12 pounds of marijuana along Interstate 5 in Douglas County. Estimated total value of the seized marijuana is $30,000.
Hawks
According to Sergeant Dave Randall, the first traffic stop occurred January 26, 2012 at approximately 10: 13 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 121. The trooper stopped a 2009 Nissan Xterra and contacted driver CHERI KRAFFT-FREDERIKSEN, age 36, from Monterey Beach, California. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately 6 pounds of marijuana found inside the vehicle.
The second stop occurred January 27th at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 119. The trooper stopped a 1996 BMW two-door driven by REILLY McGOODWIN-YOUNG, age 23, from Talent, Oregon. With the assistance of a drug detection canine, two pounds of marijuana was found inside the vehicle.
The third stop occurred January 28th at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 90. The trooper stopped a 1993 Oldsmobile driven by RICHARD J. HAWKS, age 29, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of nearly 4 pounds of marijuana found inside the vehicle.
KRAFTT-FREDERIKSEN and McGOODWIN-YOUNG were both cited and released to appear at a later date in Douglas County Circuit Court. HAWKS was lodged in the Douglas County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Marijuana.
Photograph Source: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Note: No photographs available of KRAFFT-FREDERIKSEN and McGOODWIN-YOUNG.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Attached Media Files: Hawks
01/26/12
Northwest students battle wits at "BPA Super Bowl of Science"
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/26/12
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/26/12
Portland Ore. – The Pacific Northwest’s brightest middle school and high school students will flock to the University of Portland this weekend and next for the 21st annual BPA Regional Science Bowl – the largest regional science bowl in the nation. The future scientists and engineers are vying for the right to compete at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., later this spring.
The public is invited to watch more than 650 students representing teams from Oregon and Washington compete in these two quiz-show style round-robin events. Sixteen colleges and universities are offering scholarships to the top three winning teams. Corporate sponsors of these two events are Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Alstrom Grid, and the University of Portland.
As BPA biologist Makary Hutson experienced last year, the intensity of the questions and competition leads many people to ask themselves, "Could I ever compete in such an event?"
"I was most impressed with the middle school students’ ability to calculate answers to difficult mathematical questions in the team rounds," says Hutson. "The majority of people will never calculate the molarity of a molecular compound – let alone in less than 30 seconds." Hutson is one of 150 BPA employees who volunteer as moderators, judges and in other positions in each year’s competition.
Middle school science bowl competition
When: Jan. 28, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Astronaut Stanley G. Love, Ph.D., will deliver the luncheon address and provide living proof of the importance of science and math. Love, who grew up in Eugene, Ore., will speak from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium. This presentation is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule
High school science bowl competition
When: Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Juggler Rhys Thomas, former Smithsonian artist and popular OMSI presenter, will demonstrate physics with acrobatics, juggling and the irresistible force of levity. The show is from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium and is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule
About the Game
Middle school and high school students train for months for this academic challenge. Coaches and teams of four or five students from Oregon and Washington dive into topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, energy, mathematics, physics, earth science, computer and general science.
The competition consists of a round robin followed by a double elimination final. The questions are multiple choice and short answer. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams and the winning team is invited to the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.
About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
The public is invited to watch more than 650 students representing teams from Oregon and Washington compete in these two quiz-show style round-robin events. Sixteen colleges and universities are offering scholarships to the top three winning teams. Corporate sponsors of these two events are Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Alstrom Grid, and the University of Portland.
As BPA biologist Makary Hutson experienced last year, the intensity of the questions and competition leads many people to ask themselves, "Could I ever compete in such an event?"
"I was most impressed with the middle school students’ ability to calculate answers to difficult mathematical questions in the team rounds," says Hutson. "The majority of people will never calculate the molarity of a molecular compound – let alone in less than 30 seconds." Hutson is one of 150 BPA employees who volunteer as moderators, judges and in other positions in each year’s competition.
Middle school science bowl competition
When: Jan. 28, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Astronaut Stanley G. Love, Ph.D., will deliver the luncheon address and provide living proof of the importance of science and math. Love, who grew up in Eugene, Ore., will speak from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium. This presentation is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule
High school science bowl competition
When: Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Juggler Rhys Thomas, former Smithsonian artist and popular OMSI presenter, will demonstrate physics with acrobatics, juggling and the irresistible force of levity. The show is from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium and is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule
About the Game
Middle school and high school students train for months for this academic challenge. Coaches and teams of four or five students from Oregon and Washington dive into topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, energy, mathematics, physics, earth science, computer and general science.
The competition consists of a round robin followed by a double elimination final. The questions are multiple choice and short answer. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams and the winning team is invited to the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.
About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
01/24/12
Joint transmission system projects to improve system reliability in Puget Sound area
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Portland, Ore. - The Bonneville Power Administration, Puget Sound Energy, and Seattle City Light today signed a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at improving the reliability of the regional electric grid and reducing the probability of region-wide customer power outages in the future.
The MOA includes six proposed transmission improvement projects – the product of several years of study by BPA, PSE, City Light and the Snohomish Public Utility District – that working in unison will significantly improve electric reliability for electric utility customers in the Puget Sound area. In all, the projects are estimated to cost approximately $140 million and involve either transmission line upgrades or equipment additions at existing facilities.
"The transmission system serving the Puget Sound region is at capacity and needs to be upgraded," said Brian Silverstein, senior vice president, BPA Transmission Services. "Several decades have passed since we and the area utilities have jointly invested in large, regional bulk power transmission projects. Now is the time to consider these projects to avoid load curtailments and potential region-wide power outages in the future"
In developing the projects covered by the MOA, the BPA, PSE, SCL, and SnoPUD looked to the technical work of the ColumbiaGrid’s Puget Sound Area Study Team, which has studied and analyzed our regional bulk electric transmission system for several years to help develop the "one-utility" planning approach.
"This was a truly collaborative effort that allowed us to develop a solution to an issue that has been discussed and studied for more than 15 years," said Hardev Juj, vice president of Planning and Asset Management, BPA Transmission Services. "Without the cooperation of our partner utilities, we could not have reached this agreement."
When large amounts of energy are being delivered to the Puget Sound area through the Northern Intertie to Canada, transmission lines at times become congested. To relieve this congestion and avoid unplanned power interruptions to customers, BPA currently limits or curtails the amount of energy Puget Sound-area utilities and Canadian utilities can deliver across certain transmission lines. This curtailment process has been in place since fall 2007.
Energy demand projections for the Puget Sound area and the potential for additional energy delivery from the Northwest to Canada have transmission system planners projecting increased curtailments by the end of this decade.
When the curtailments are instituted, utilities have to make changes to the generating resources providing power to the area, explained Silverstein. This can be costly to Puget Sound area customers and the environment. The projects being announced today will significantly expand system capacity and minimize the need for curtailments and potential rolling blackouts.
Most of the power generating resources that serve the Puget Sound are located far away from the area. In addition to the energy coming into the area to serve local needs, BPA delivers energy through the Puget Sound area to Canada to fulfill the "Canadian Entitlement" agreed to in the 1964 Columbia River Treaty.
Under the treaty, BC Hydro stores water behind three large dams for flood control and to optimize the generation potential along the Columbia River - generating power when customers need it most. In exchange, BPA annually returns an agreed upon amount of power to BC Hydro. At times of peak energy use, system congestion in the Puget Sound area can make it difficult for the BPA to return energy to BC Hydro. BPA equally curtails energy delivery to BC Hydro, PSE, SCL and SnoPUD to relieve transmission congestion. These improvements would eliminate the need for curtailments.
###
About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its customer base through incremental, cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit www.PSE.com.
About Seattle City Light
City Light is the tenth largest public utility in the U.S. Its seven hydro projects provide half of the power needed for the 400,000 customers in its service territory. City Light is 90 percent hydro powered with another 4 percent alternative new renewable power such as wind, biomass and solar. City Light was the first electric utility in the country to be carbon neutral and since 2005 is the only utility to achieve this status.
About Snohomish County PUD
Snohomish County Public Utility District serves one of the fastest growing counties in the Pacific Northwest, delivering electricity to about 320,000 customers and water to nearly 20,000 customers. It’s currently the second largest public utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest in the United States. It is committed to addressing regional growth by pursuing all cost-effective conservation and a diverse mix of renewable energy sources.
The MOA includes six proposed transmission improvement projects – the product of several years of study by BPA, PSE, City Light and the Snohomish Public Utility District – that working in unison will significantly improve electric reliability for electric utility customers in the Puget Sound area. In all, the projects are estimated to cost approximately $140 million and involve either transmission line upgrades or equipment additions at existing facilities.
"The transmission system serving the Puget Sound region is at capacity and needs to be upgraded," said Brian Silverstein, senior vice president, BPA Transmission Services. "Several decades have passed since we and the area utilities have jointly invested in large, regional bulk power transmission projects. Now is the time to consider these projects to avoid load curtailments and potential region-wide power outages in the future"
In developing the projects covered by the MOA, the BPA, PSE, SCL, and SnoPUD looked to the technical work of the ColumbiaGrid’s Puget Sound Area Study Team, which has studied and analyzed our regional bulk electric transmission system for several years to help develop the "one-utility" planning approach.
"This was a truly collaborative effort that allowed us to develop a solution to an issue that has been discussed and studied for more than 15 years," said Hardev Juj, vice president of Planning and Asset Management, BPA Transmission Services. "Without the cooperation of our partner utilities, we could not have reached this agreement."
When large amounts of energy are being delivered to the Puget Sound area through the Northern Intertie to Canada, transmission lines at times become congested. To relieve this congestion and avoid unplanned power interruptions to customers, BPA currently limits or curtails the amount of energy Puget Sound-area utilities and Canadian utilities can deliver across certain transmission lines. This curtailment process has been in place since fall 2007.
Energy demand projections for the Puget Sound area and the potential for additional energy delivery from the Northwest to Canada have transmission system planners projecting increased curtailments by the end of this decade.
When the curtailments are instituted, utilities have to make changes to the generating resources providing power to the area, explained Silverstein. This can be costly to Puget Sound area customers and the environment. The projects being announced today will significantly expand system capacity and minimize the need for curtailments and potential rolling blackouts.
Most of the power generating resources that serve the Puget Sound are located far away from the area. In addition to the energy coming into the area to serve local needs, BPA delivers energy through the Puget Sound area to Canada to fulfill the "Canadian Entitlement" agreed to in the 1964 Columbia River Treaty.
Under the treaty, BC Hydro stores water behind three large dams for flood control and to optimize the generation potential along the Columbia River - generating power when customers need it most. In exchange, BPA annually returns an agreed upon amount of power to BC Hydro. At times of peak energy use, system congestion in the Puget Sound area can make it difficult for the BPA to return energy to BC Hydro. BPA equally curtails energy delivery to BC Hydro, PSE, SCL and SnoPUD to relieve transmission congestion. These improvements would eliminate the need for curtailments.
###
About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its customer base through incremental, cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit www.PSE.com.
About Seattle City Light
City Light is the tenth largest public utility in the U.S. Its seven hydro projects provide half of the power needed for the 400,000 customers in its service territory. City Light is 90 percent hydro powered with another 4 percent alternative new renewable power such as wind, biomass and solar. City Light was the first electric utility in the country to be carbon neutral and since 2005 is the only utility to achieve this status.
About Snohomish County PUD
Snohomish County Public Utility District serves one of the fastest growing counties in the Pacific Northwest, delivering electricity to about 320,000 customers and water to nearly 20,000 customers. It’s currently the second largest public utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest in the United States. It is committed to addressing regional growth by pursuing all cost-effective conservation and a diverse mix of renewable energy sources.
Curriculum Instruction & Assessment Executive Director Appointed to Clarkston School District
Clarkston School Dist. - 01/24/12
A native of Pullman, Washington, Fry is no stranger to the Clarkston area or the Northwest. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Washington State University and taught English at the high school level in both Tacoma and Spokane. Prior to moving to Texas, Fry served as Assistant Principal at John R. Rogers High School in Spokane for five years. He is now in his sixth year at Canutillo High School and will finish out the 2011-2012 school year there before relocating to Clarkston.
Not only did the Clarkston School District job posting appeal to Fry’s desire to move closer to his family (many of whom still live near the Clarkston area), but the opportunity to work in such a critical role within such a strong school district was a significant draw.
"This is a very pivotal time as the entire State transitions from the current state standards to Common Core Standards," Fry stated. "I’m very excited for the chance to work in a really strong district and be there to help facilitate this transition."
Due to the size of the state and the remnants of former President George W. Bush, many changes in education have come out of Texas. Fry’s experience working there has helped prepare him for the changes that are now approaching the state of Washington in the area of curriculum.
"I think my biggest challenge will be keeping what is working and what is already aligned with state standards while transitioning into more rigorous Common Core Standards," said Fry.
While Fry has deeply enjoyed his time and work in Texas, he says that he is eager for the opportunity to come home to the Northwest and work with the great people in Clarkston. Fry officially begins as Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Executive Director on July 1. For more information, contact Clarkston Communications Director Molly Curtiss at 509.544.5787 or CurtissM@csdk12.org
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Attached Media Files: James Fry
Clarkston School Dist. - 01/24/12
James Fry
CLARKSTON, WA – The Clarkston School District Board of Directors approved the hiring of James Fry as the new Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Executive Director at their regular Board meeting on January 23. Fry, who currently serves as principal for Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, will officially begin his new position in Clarkston on July 1.
James Fry
A native of Pullman, Washington, Fry is no stranger to the Clarkston area or the Northwest. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Washington State University and taught English at the high school level in both Tacoma and Spokane. Prior to moving to Texas, Fry served as Assistant Principal at John R. Rogers High School in Spokane for five years. He is now in his sixth year at Canutillo High School and will finish out the 2011-2012 school year there before relocating to Clarkston.
Not only did the Clarkston School District job posting appeal to Fry’s desire to move closer to his family (many of whom still live near the Clarkston area), but the opportunity to work in such a critical role within such a strong school district was a significant draw.
"This is a very pivotal time as the entire State transitions from the current state standards to Common Core Standards," Fry stated. "I’m very excited for the chance to work in a really strong district and be there to help facilitate this transition."
Due to the size of the state and the remnants of former President George W. Bush, many changes in education have come out of Texas. Fry’s experience working there has helped prepare him for the changes that are now approaching the state of Washington in the area of curriculum.
"I think my biggest challenge will be keeping what is working and what is already aligned with state standards while transitioning into more rigorous Common Core Standards," said Fry.
While Fry has deeply enjoyed his time and work in Texas, he says that he is eager for the opportunity to come home to the Northwest and work with the great people in Clarkston. Fry officially begins as Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Executive Director on July 1. For more information, contact Clarkston Communications Director Molly Curtiss at 509.544.5787 or CurtissM@csdk12.org
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Attached Media Files: James Fry
Major land purchase in Columbia estuary benefits salmon
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
CONTACT: Glenn Lamb, Columbia Land Trust, 360-606-6071
Dan Cook, Columbia Land Trust, 503-442-1839
Michael Milstein, BPA, 503-230-4215
Diana Fredlund, Corps, 503-808-4510
(EDITORS: Maps, photos and video available at http://bit.ly/y6i8Ms or on request.)
The Columbia Land Trust, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced the largest purchase of riverside habitat in the Columbia River estuary in nearly 40 years, permanently protecting essential refuge for salmon, steelhead and other wildlife.
The acquisition, which will benefit salmon from Oregon, Idaho and Washington as they migrate to the ocean, is the largest step yet in the estuary to mitigate the impacts of federal dams on the Columbia and Snake river systems.
The Columbia Land Trust on Monday completed the purchase of the 920-acre Columbia Stock Ranch on the south shore of the Columbia River near Goble, Ore., with $5.3 million in BPA funding. The purchase sets the stage for the Corps of Engineers to restore hundreds of acres of historic wetlands in the next few years to provide food and shelter for salmon migrating to and from the ocean.
The acquisition protects more estuary habitat for conservation than any other single purchase since the early 1970s.
"The size and ecological importance of this habitat set a new benchmark for habitat protection and is a key piece in an extensive fish refuge system in the lower Columbia River," said Glenn Lamb, executive director of the Columbia Land Trust. "In the last 10 years we have worked with about 60 landowners to conserve 9,100 acres of estuarine and tributary spawning and rearing habitat. BPA has been an important partner in many of these projects. The estuary is a particularly vital nursery for young salmon, and this project is the best demonstration yet of conserving and restoring the lands that make the estuary so valuable."
An independent panel of biologists identified the parcel as an especially valuable swath of historic tidal wetlands that if restored would boost survival of young salmon as they transition to saltwater. Some two-thirds of estuary wetlands have been lost over the last century, but recognition of their biological significance has encouraged restoration.
"Everything we learn tells us more and more that the estuary is very important to juvenile fish," said Ron Thom, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist specializing in ecosystem restoration who helps assess potential projects. "Restoration can create more habitat to support them. In general, the more opportunities for fish to access large, productive rearing and feeding habitats, the better the chances of young salmon gaining strength and ultimately surviving."
"I applaud the collaboration between the parties – the local landowners, the Estuary Partnership, the Land Trust and the federal agencies – in bringing this project into our Fish and Wildlife Program to help mitigate for the hydro system’s effects on salmon and steelhead. Estuary projects benefit multiple populations and increase the benefits for the ratepayer dollars spent," said Joan Dukes, chair of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
"The Columbia Stock Ranch site offers a large area for contiguous restoration," said Elvon Childs, the Corps’ Columbia Stock Ranch project manager. "We are designing the project so it maximizes benefits for salmonid habitat restoration with direct tidal connections to the Columbia River."
"Not since the early 1970s when the two lower Columbia River wildlife refuges were established has there been a single purchase of this magnitude purely for conservation," said Debrah Marriott, executive director of the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership. "The Deer Island area was once a rich network of forests, shrub scrub, wetlands, sloughs and floodplain lakes that provide critical shallow water areas for juvenile salmon resting and rearing as they make their way to the ocean. With this purchase and the restoration of this property, these essential habitats will once again become available to Endangered Species Act listed fish and other species."
Federal agencies are responsible for mitigating the impacts of federal hydroelectric dams on salmon as outlined by NOAA Fisheries’ Biological Opinion. The mitigation includes new technology ensuring more fish pass dams safely and habitat restoration, with increasing focus on the estuary below Bonneville Dam.
"We’ve seen fish returning to other restored habitat within days, so large, contiguous properties such as this one should boost salmon survival even more," said Lorri Bodi, BPA vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "Healthy estuary habitat is like a Head Start program for salmon that makes them that much more likely to return to the Northwest to spawn as adults."
Management and restoration plans for the property will be developed with public input. Restoration work will also support the local economy and jobs. The restored habitat will benefit coho, chinook and chum salmon; steelhead; and cutthroat trout, as well as terrestrial wildlife such as black bear, elk and river otter.
###
Attached Media Files: Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in the Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary.
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds.
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
CONTACT: Glenn Lamb, Columbia Land Trust, 360-606-6071
Dan Cook, Columbia Land Trust, 503-442-1839
Michael Milstein, BPA, 503-230-4215
Diana Fredlund, Corps, 503-808-4510
(EDITORS: Maps, photos and video available at http://bit.ly/y6i8Ms or on request.)
The Columbia Land Trust, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced the largest purchase of riverside habitat in the Columbia River estuary in nearly 40 years, permanently protecting essential refuge for salmon, steelhead and other wildlife.
The acquisition, which will benefit salmon from Oregon, Idaho and Washington as they migrate to the ocean, is the largest step yet in the estuary to mitigate the impacts of federal dams on the Columbia and Snake river systems.
The Columbia Land Trust on Monday completed the purchase of the 920-acre Columbia Stock Ranch on the south shore of the Columbia River near Goble, Ore., with $5.3 million in BPA funding. The purchase sets the stage for the Corps of Engineers to restore hundreds of acres of historic wetlands in the next few years to provide food and shelter for salmon migrating to and from the ocean.
The acquisition protects more estuary habitat for conservation than any other single purchase since the early 1970s.
"The size and ecological importance of this habitat set a new benchmark for habitat protection and is a key piece in an extensive fish refuge system in the lower Columbia River," said Glenn Lamb, executive director of the Columbia Land Trust. "In the last 10 years we have worked with about 60 landowners to conserve 9,100 acres of estuarine and tributary spawning and rearing habitat. BPA has been an important partner in many of these projects. The estuary is a particularly vital nursery for young salmon, and this project is the best demonstration yet of conserving and restoring the lands that make the estuary so valuable."
An independent panel of biologists identified the parcel as an especially valuable swath of historic tidal wetlands that if restored would boost survival of young salmon as they transition to saltwater. Some two-thirds of estuary wetlands have been lost over the last century, but recognition of their biological significance has encouraged restoration.
"Everything we learn tells us more and more that the estuary is very important to juvenile fish," said Ron Thom, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist specializing in ecosystem restoration who helps assess potential projects. "Restoration can create more habitat to support them. In general, the more opportunities for fish to access large, productive rearing and feeding habitats, the better the chances of young salmon gaining strength and ultimately surviving."
"I applaud the collaboration between the parties – the local landowners, the Estuary Partnership, the Land Trust and the federal agencies – in bringing this project into our Fish and Wildlife Program to help mitigate for the hydro system’s effects on salmon and steelhead. Estuary projects benefit multiple populations and increase the benefits for the ratepayer dollars spent," said Joan Dukes, chair of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
"The Columbia Stock Ranch site offers a large area for contiguous restoration," said Elvon Childs, the Corps’ Columbia Stock Ranch project manager. "We are designing the project so it maximizes benefits for salmonid habitat restoration with direct tidal connections to the Columbia River."
"Not since the early 1970s when the two lower Columbia River wildlife refuges were established has there been a single purchase of this magnitude purely for conservation," said Debrah Marriott, executive director of the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership. "The Deer Island area was once a rich network of forests, shrub scrub, wetlands, sloughs and floodplain lakes that provide critical shallow water areas for juvenile salmon resting and rearing as they make their way to the ocean. With this purchase and the restoration of this property, these essential habitats will once again become available to Endangered Species Act listed fish and other species."
Federal agencies are responsible for mitigating the impacts of federal hydroelectric dams on salmon as outlined by NOAA Fisheries’ Biological Opinion. The mitigation includes new technology ensuring more fish pass dams safely and habitat restoration, with increasing focus on the estuary below Bonneville Dam.
"We’ve seen fish returning to other restored habitat within days, so large, contiguous properties such as this one should boost salmon survival even more," said Lorri Bodi, BPA vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "Healthy estuary habitat is like a Head Start program for salmon that makes them that much more likely to return to the Northwest to spawn as adults."
Management and restoration plans for the property will be developed with public input. Restoration work will also support the local economy and jobs. The restored habitat will benefit coho, chinook and chum salmon; steelhead; and cutthroat trout, as well as terrestrial wildlife such as black bear, elk and river otter.
###
Attached Media Files: Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in the Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary.