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Columbia Generating Station Information
July 26, 2006
News Release 06-13
Brad Peck, Corporate Communications
(509) 377-8247
RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest’s Board of Directors today voted unanimously to approve a membership application from Cowlitz County PUD No. 1.
As an Energy Northwest member, Cowlitz PUD will have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process related to its projects. With this addition, there are now 17 public utility districts and three city municipal utility members of Energy Northwest, the joint operating agency that runs Columbia Generating Station, Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project, White Bluffs Solar Station and Nine Canyon Wind Project. Energy Northwest was formed in 1957 to provide at-cost power for its publicly owned utility members. The Energy Northwest Board of Directors holds regular quarterly meetings and special meetings as necessary.
Cowlitz PUD, based in Longview, Washington, provides electric service to 46,700 residential, commercial, industrial and street lighting customers county-wide. Cowlitz PUD owns the 70 megawatt Swift No. 2 Hydroelectric Project on the North Fork of the Lewis River. The PUD is a participating utility in Energy Northwest’s 64 megawatt Nine Canyon Wind Project, near Finley, Washington.
Cowlitz PUD commissioners include John Searing, President; Merritt (Buz) Ketcham, Vice President; and Ned Piper, Secretary. Commissioner Ketcham will serve as Cowlitz PUD’s representative on Energy Northwest’s Board of Directors.
After the vote, Board of Directors President Ron Hatfield, of Pacific County PUD No. 2, welcomed the organization’s newest member. “In rejoining Energy Northwest, Cowlitz PUD has demonstrated a huge vote of confidence in what we are doing in terms of new generation and in general. I am delighted to welcome them back.”
Vera Claussen, Board of Directors Secretary and Grant County PUD Commissioner, added: “This is a real thrill for me. Cowlitz PUD was part of the original group. They were a strong member, a strong supporter, and they will be again.”