Do you know what makes up the Northwest power supply system? EPUD General Manager Kyle Roadman sheds light on the importance of hydroelectricity and the uncertain future of regional power supply.
- Part 1: The Northwest Power Supply System: A Crown Jewel
Part 1 describes the electric system’s diverse set of generating resources, anchored by the hydroelectric projects along the Columbia River basin. When complemented with legacy thermal resources, this system has long achieved a balance between affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility. - Part 2: A System Out of Balance
Part 2 examines what can happen when policymakers prioritize one of the balanced areas — affordability, reliability, or environmental responsibility — above all else. - Part 3: Renewable Energy – Part of the Portfolio But Not a Replacement
Part 3 explores renewable energy: how it differs from traditional power resources and why its current limitations prevent it from being a full replacement for legacy resources. - Part 4: Lessons from California
Part 4 focuses on what can be learned from the California experience. From the trade-offs associated with focusing only on environmental policy and renewable energy to the impact on affordability and reliability, our California neighbors can give us a preview of how this might play out. - Part 5: Can the Northwest System Find Balance?
Part 5 looks at the future policy decisions that will determine whether the Northwest can once again return to a balanced power supply system.