Benton County Public Utility District 1

The 2026 Resource Plan for Benton County Public Utility District No. 1 outlines a 10-year strategy for meeting future power supply needs from 2027 to 2036. Key strategies include pursuing cost-effective, reliable, and feasible conservation, continuing with Packwood hydroelectric as a dedicated resource, and committing to BPA's load following contract for serving power needs, including Tier 2 power for above High Water Mark load. The plan also details the District's strategy for complying with Washington State's Energy Independence Act and Clean Energy Transformation Act, aiming for greenhouse gas neutral standards.

The meeting included an introduction to the 2026 Resource Plan, covering regulatory requirements and development schedules, and the setting of a subsequent public hearing date. The Treasurer's Report for April was reviewed, and various consent agenda items were addressed, including vouchers and job reports. The General Manager provided updates on PPC and PNUCC meetings, BPA Administrator searches, western power market developments, and feedback regarding the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's energy planning. Furthermore, the 2026 Q1 performance measures were reported, followed by discussions on nuclear energy outreach, a future WPUDA visit, and reports on various regional symposia and organizational outreach efforts.

The meeting included reports on recent power outages in Prosser and a financial update for March, which covered the decline in the BPA credit rating and its implications for debt service. The General Manager discussed impacts of spring spill operations on hydroelectric generation, the 2026 PNUCC load forecast, resource adequacy findings, and the performance characteristics of wind farms. Additionally, the commission approved Resolution No. 2725, which authorizes the entry into a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 77.

The commission reviewed financial and operational reports, including the Treasurer's report and updates on privilege taxes and state audits. Discussions covered the Residential Exchange Program, regional energy market developments such as SPP Markets+, and the impacts of Columbia River System Operations litigation. The commission also addressed fish and wildlife program concerns, the BPA Administrator position, and a proposal for a new voluntary giving program. Business agenda items included the approval of several work orders for electric infrastructure upgrades and the amendment of customer service policies regarding transitory electricity-intensive loads.

The meeting featured a public hearing regarding the 2026 Resource Plan and the establishment of a second public hearing date. Key topics included the Treasurer's report, reviews of performance measures, the approval of a collective bargaining agreement, and various administrative and operational actions, including the approval of vouchers and utility contract matters.