With Washington’s hydroelectric system under threat, PUDs like Grays Harbor may be in the midst of a forced transition to other energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear, or bioenergy. This presents a paradox: while we move towards energy that is billed as infinite and clean, the costs of implementing and maintaining it can be significantly high.
The initial investment in developing new, renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, is substantial. These technologies are still in their early stages, and ongoing research and development aim to enhance their efficiency and reduce costs. But for utilities like ours, the dilemma lies in deciding whether to invest in these technologies now, bearing the initial high costs while anticipating future benefits.
In terms of reliability, intermittency issues cannot be overlooked. Many new, green energy sources are subject to the whims of nature – the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. Therefore, we must invest in energy storage solutions or supplementary systems to ensure a constant power supply, adding to the cost. Also, integrating these new sources into the existing grid presents its own set of difficulties. Retrofitting the grid to handle energy that comes from decentralized and variable sources is a massive and expensive undertaking. It also comes with its own environmental challenges.
In facing these challenges, Grays Harbor PUD is committed to navigating this complex landscape with the best interest of our customers in mind. We are focused on reviewing financial impacts and partnerships to spread out the costs of these investments over time, making them more manageable and less likely to result in significant cost increases. At the heart of our efforts lies the belief that energy shouldn’t just be sustainable; it must be accessible and affordable for our customers. PUDs are dedicated to finding a balanced approach that does not compromise reliability and affordability while looking to the future of energy.
Grays Harbor PUD is committed to exploring the potential of new technologies in shaping the future energy landscape, while protecting what we already have. Grays Harbor achieves over 90% carbon neutrality by supporting hydroelectric power, a highly efficient and eco-friendly energy source. We will continue to advocate for that energy source, since its abundance, affordability and reliability gives time for innovation and improvement to the new energy sources that may one day take its place. These attributes must not be sacrificed as we examine the available new energy technologies that many see as the future of energy generation.
by Jon Martin, District Three Commissioner