New TVW episode explores Council’s role in planning for future of NW power system, Columbia River

Two cattle ranchers ride past a wind turbine near Goldendale, Wash., and the Columbia River Gorge.

The energy landscape is changing in Washington state, and the resource mix on the power grid is shifting as the state works to meet decarbonization goals and timelines in upcoming years.

Power Division Director Jennifer Light recently sat down with TVW journalist Jennifer Huntley to discuss the Council's role in regional power planning as Washington state navigates these changes while ensuring the Pacific Northwest's power system stays adequate, efficient, economical, and reliable. The episode is now airing.

"We're going to be looking at a pretty different world, where we've got a lot of potential load growth - not sure how big it's going to be - and a mix of new resources that we'll have to figure out. Our goal will be to say, over the next 20 years, how can we meet those needs?" Light says.

The episode also spotlights the role of the Columbia River in the Northwest's power grid, and the need to protect salmon and steelhead adversely impacted by the hydropower system. This is a core mission of the Council's Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program.

The next several years will be crucial to planning for the future of the Columbia River, as well as for the fish, wildlife, and people who depend on it.

Check out the full episode to learn more: https://tvw.org/video/washington-to-washington-clean-energy-part-one-2024121150/

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