​​Cowlitz County PUD joins as newest member​

RICHLAND, Wash. – The Energy Northwest Board of Directors unanimously approved Cowlitz County Public Utility District’s request to join Energy Northwest membership during its regular public meeting April 24 in Pasco. With the addition of Cowlitz PUD, Energy Northwest's Board of Directors has 29 member representatives; one representative for each of the 24 public utility districts and five municipal utilities that comprise Energy Northwest. 

Energy Northwest’s Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the agency. Member utilities appoint a representative to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors elects five of its members to serve on the Energy Northwest Executive Board. Additionally, the board of directors appoints three individuals from outside the organization to serve on the Executive Board.

Members receive access to certain Energy Northwest energy projects and services provided through the agency’s role as a Washington state joint operating agency.

Board of Directors elects outside director 

Also at the April 24 meeting, the Board of Directors re-elected former Sen. Tim Sheldon as an outside director. Sheldon was elected to the Washington Legislature in 1990 and spent 32 years working on economic and energy issues before retiring in 2022. He was elected to Energy Northwest’s Executive Board in 2004 and has served as chair on various committees, including the Resources Task Force. 

“Tim’s vast experience in the energy industry and contacts in the legislature will continue to be a tremendous asset to the board,” said Dave McKenzie, Board of Directors president. 

Sheldon’s four-year term begins July 1. 

About Energy Northwest       

Energy Northwest is a Washington state public power joint operating agency and a premier provider of carbon-free electricity. Energy Northwest comprises 29 public power member utilities, serving more than 1.5 million customers, and provides its members and regional customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective, responsible power generation and innovative energy and business solutions. The agency owns and operates hydroelectric, solar, battery storage, wind and the Northwest’s only nuclear power facility. Energy Northwest also explores transportation electrification and new generation projects to the benefit of public power. 

For media inquiries, email media@energy-northwest.com​ ​