Columbia Generating Station is the northwest's only commercial nuclear energy facility and is the third largest electricity generator in Washington state, behind Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph dams.
Carbon-free
Columbia produces millions of megawatts of carbon-free electricity each year.
Nuclear energy is the largest source of clean electricity in the U.S., accounting for more than half of all carbon-free electricity generated.
Available 24/7
Columbia is a reliable, baseload (full-time) energy source that is not dependent on weather conditions.
Refueling occurs every other year and is scheduled when springtime water conditions in the Columbia River Basin are typically high, allowing the federal hydropower dams to produce ample power.
Integrates with renewables
Columbia operates at 100% power, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but has the ability to load follow, or reduce power, when requested by Bonneville Power Administration for grid stability, hydroelectric system management, periods of high wind or economic considerations.
During hot and cold months, when the wind is typically not blowing, BPA may also request a "no touch" because of the increased demand for electricity or availability of other resources.
Vital to a clean energy future
Nearly 20 percent of our nation’s electricity comes from the 93 operating nuclear facilities throughout the United States.
The nationwide push for carbon-free electricity and federal and private investment in the development of small modular reactors have resulted in further consideration of nuclear power as a generation resource.
Cost-Effective
All of Columbia's electricity is provided at cost to the Bonneville Power Administration under a formal net billing agreement.
