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
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