Power Resources

EPUD currently purchases most of its electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). This power comes from a mixture of sources, including federal dams on the Columbia River (60-75%), the Columbia Generating Station nuclear plant (10%), and import purchases and exchanges (15-30%). We also generate approximately 3% of our own electricity from Short Mountain Methane Power Plant. At this time, Short Mountain generates enough electricity to power 1,000 homes by burning the methane released from the decomposition of garbage at the landfill. It also generates an average revenue of $250,000 a year, which helps maintain low rates for EPUD Customer-Owners.

For those customers who want to invest in renewable energy development, we offer the option to purchase the equivalent of either 50% or 100% of the energy they consume in Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) from wind generated in the Northwest.  These REC’s will soon be generated from our own purchase of wind from the White Creek Wind Farm located in Klickitat County, thereby bringing more wind energy to the Northwest power grid. EPUD purchases an average of 5 aMW of wind energy from White Creek which is enough power to supply 3,000 homes.

In addition, EPUD is currently moving forward with two local hydropower projects at Dorena and Fall Creek reservoirs. EPUD estimates both projects will eventually generate enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.

Click the below links to learn more about each of these power resources projects.

Dorena and Fall Creek Hydro Projects

White Creek Wind Project

Short Mountain Methane Power Plant

BPA

Renewable Energy