Out of the MistWind in the System

EWEB’s experiences with bringing wind energy home

(the short version)

Age of the Dinosaur

• 1992* Council Plan calls for renewables demo programs

• 1994* BPA issues RFP’s wind/geothermal• PCorp, EWEB, Kenetech (later SeaWest)

“win” wind solicitation• 1999 Foote Creek Rim Phase 1 goes

online

* If my memory is correct.

Foote Creek Rim

Long Story Shortened

• No realistic way to get from there to here, there being southeastern Wyoming and “here” being southern end of Willamette Valley (3 or 4 wheels depending on phase of the moon)

• No experience in Northwest with big wind

• So, PCorp decides to perform Major Magic (to keep project alive)

Major Magic - Defined

• Output will flow into the PCorp/Bridger transmission system and, “ta-da”, pop out on the west side of the Cascades 1 week later - flattened during the hour.

• We get a daily schedule, 168 hours delayed from actual generation.

• We’re still operating that way today.

Dawn of the Mammals

The Stateline Wind Project

Dawn continued …The Stateline Wind Project

• PCorp Power Marketing (PPM) grabs the whole Pizza;

• PPM offers, generously, to sell slices of Pizza;

• Slices seem to be “stuck” in Wallula Bubble because applying tariff rates, 2 wheels, etc. makes the pizza delivery box cost more than the pizza.

• PPM conjures up More Magic

More Magic - Defined

• PPM works with Seattle City Light, BPA, Gandalf, and others to arrange an interim hodgepodge stew* of “services” to get deliveries to Mid-C.

• Overall less expensive (?) than multiple wheels, outright purchase of services under existing tariffs, etc.

“More Magic” - Parameters

• Delivered energy is scheduled two months after generation;

• Month schedule at a time;• Flat amounts in HLH and LLH

portions of month;• Charges are dependent on many

factors.

Into the Future

Short Commercial Message

McNary to John DayTransmission Line

• 80 mile, 500 kV, $140 million, BPA own/operate;

• EWEB leading an effort to build this line with tax exempt financing;

• Partnering with City of Hermiston and the Port of Umatilla (will form an Oregon 190 Entity).

McNary to John Day

• Security for bonds relies on long-term Point to Point contracts;

• Seeking “subscribers”• For info or to sign-up contact

Scott Spettel at 541- 341- 8564