What's Happening Now
LET’S TALK
Stop by the Bakery Gazebo in Stehekin on Tuesday, Aug. 30 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. PUD staff will be on hand to answer questions and collect feedback.
We recently mailed you a newsletter with more information. You can see that mailer here.
UPDATE ON BATTERY STORAGE
We heard support from Stehekin residents on installation of battery energy storage systems for the hydro plant, which would run in parallel with the plant’s existing hydro and diesel generators. While batteries were a promising option, estimates now show costs are about $1M, which is 3-4 times above what was anticipated.
NEW OPTIONS
- A propane generator to support they hydro
- Replace existing large diesel generator with a unit that can be used to meet load growth while meeting current permitting requirements
- Remote electric water heater controls as allowed in PUD rate agreements
IT’S TIME TO MAKE SOME DECISIONS
Soon, electricity needs of the Stehekin community will outgrow the small hydro plant that generates power for the valley. We now expect this to happen somewhere between 2024 and 2026, depending on the rate of load growth. We’ve been working with the Stehekin community to better understand and solve this problem.
WE HEARD YOUR FEEDBACK
After PUD staff completed the Draft Generation and Energy Plan for Stehekin in 2020, we sought your feedback on the plan through an online open house . The plan included proposed solutions to meet the energy needs in Stehekin now and into the future. We received some great feedback from residential and commercial customers in Stehekin. Click HERE see a full summary of the comments.
Other ways you can help manage energy use in the Stehekin Valley:
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs
- Visit chelanpud.org/save or call PUD Energy Efficiency Adviser, Josh Mitchell at (509) 661-4380 for recommendations on energy savings and rebates
- Share energy conservation tips with guests or renters on your property
- Contact the PUD early if you are considering adding additional electrical services in Stehekin