Community Engagement
Energy Northwest and its nearly 1,100 employees play a major role in the health and welfare of the community. Energy Northwest employees contribute their time as volunteers and provide financial support to numerous organizations in the community. Read more.
Environmental Commitment
Energy Northwest is committed to doing its part to take care of the environment. Our history is rooted in developing clean, energy projects. The agency promotes consideration of the environment in everything it does. To the fullest extent possible, activities are designed and conducted to reduce and manage adverse environmental impacts. Read more.
Economic value
Since 1984, Columbia Generating Station has been providing an economic and employment base that has helped sustain a robust Tri-Cities economy. Columbia supports families and communities, principally in southeastern Washington, but also provides economic benefits throughout the state. A 2018 analysis by the Nuclear Energy Institute determined Columbia contributes more than $690 million a year to the economy, including $475 million in Washington state alone. Each year, Energy Northwest pays a privilege tax, which is levied on organizations that generate, distribute or sell electricity in Washington, and the amount is directly tied to the amount of electricity generated. These tax benefits are distributed, as authorized by the Revised Code of Washington, to the state school fund, state general fund, and local libraries, fire districts, cities and counties. Read more.