October 2006 Issue

Council Approves FY 2007-2009 Fish and Wildlife Funding Recommendations

The Council approved its fish and wildlife funding recommendations to the Bonneville Power Administration for fiscal years 2007 through 2009. The recommendations meet Bonneville's target for fish and wildlife mitigation spending for the next three-year rate period.

Council Seeks Comment on Pilot Capacity Standard to Ensure Northwest's Power Supply

The Council approved the release of a pilot capacity standard to help the region determine the adequacy of its power supply. The Council and the Bonneville Power Administration initiated the Pacific Northwest Resource Adequacy Forum to develop measurements and targets that would enable Bonneville, utilities, and utility commissions to judge the region's load/resource balance more accurately. Public comment on this standard will be accepted through November 24.

Winter Energy Outlook Looks Good 

In his presentation to the Council on the Northwest's energy outlook this winter, John Fazio, senior power system analyst, said the region has an ample power supply with a surplus of 2,400 average megawatts, enough to power two cities the size of Seattle. "We're in pretty good shape," said Fazio, noting that the energy outlook for both winter and summer look good. See press release.