For many years, the power industry has been defending the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS), made up of hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers that provides nearly 80% of Grays Harbor PUD’s power and over half of the power in Washington. For years we have been saying that when temperatures drop and the power is needed to keep homes warm, hydropower is the most reliable source of energy. Last month, we learned why we believe that: because it is true.
Beginning on January 9th, winter storms across the Pacific Northwest dropped temperatures to record lows in some areas. While wind, ice, and snow knocked out power to many homes, the vast majority of the power that stayed on was coming from the FCRPS. A report from the Portland based Public Power Council showed that hydropower “made up over 70% of the region’s supply while the cold took hold.” As thermostats were turned up to keep homes warm, the much-maligned Lower Snake River Dams in southeast Washington “were reliably producing 1,000 megawatts or more of electricity on average during the highest demand hours.” In all, the FCRPS produced over 10,000 total megawatts of output. Combined with the over 1,100 megawatts from the nuclear reactor of the Columbia Generating Station in Richland, the FCRPS again provided the backbone to Pacific Northwest power generation and kept thousands of homes warm and the lights on through one of the coldest weeks in recent memory.
Every now and then, we are given a reminder that hasty action can have severe consequences. With all the talk about dam breaching and alternative energy sources, last month’s cold snap is one of those reminders. If our region was left to rely on wind and solar power, would the power have stayed on in our homes? According to the Public Power Council report, while wind turbines performed well for two or three days, their production dropped off to nearly zero from January 14-17. During that same time, hydropower production reached some of its highest levels. That’s what we mean when we talk about reliability and resource adequacy. When energy is needed the most to keep homes warm during some of the coldest hours, we need an energy system that can meet the demand. Last month we received a real-time example. When needed most, the dams on the Columbia and Snake River were there and until we can find an energy source that matches that reliability, it’s up to us to make sure they stay there and continue to provide the power our customers rely on.
by Dave Timmons, Grays Harbor PUD, District Two Commissioner