Carla Martinez, Public Affairs, 509-372-5156
Kelly Rae, Public Affairs, 509-372-5376     
                                                                          

RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest continues to monitor the evolving COVID-19 developments that our community and nation are experiencing. Our first priority remains the safety and well-being of our employees and the public. We are following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington state Department of Health and have a robust pandemic procedure in place. While we currently have no challenges to maintaining operations of our generating facilities, we are taking rigorous actions to ensure we continue to provide essential electricity to the region during this challenging time.  

As of now, Energy Northwest non-essential employees are able to voluntarily telecommute as their jobs allow, and we have processes to keep them informed and productively engaged. 

We are not aware of any Energy Northwest employee or contractor with COVID-19. Yesterday, a corporate employee received a call, after reporting to work, that individuals they encountered in Spokane last week were experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. As a precautionary measure, the employee and other workers in the immediate vicinity were sent home and the work area was sectioned off for deep cleaning. 

“These are unprecedented times for our community and the nation,” said Chief Executive Officer Brad Sawatzke. “We understand the importance of maintaining our basic infrastructures, such as our electricity system, and Energy Northwest is here to provide the region with at-cost, carbon-free power during these challenging times.”

About Energy Northwest                                                                                              

Energy Northwest owns and operates a diverse mix of 100% clean electricity generating resources: hydro, solar and wind projects, and the third-largest provider of electricity in Washington – the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power facility. These projects provide carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation – enough clean, cost-effective and reliable energy to power more than a million homes each year. As an independent joint operating agency of Washington state, Energy Northwest comprises 27 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million customers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members’ needs. 

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