Patrick Bishop

The meeting included two executive sessions to review public employee performance, discuss pending litigation, and discuss real estate transactions. Key presentations involved the Crescent Bar Reprogramming Study, the Wanapum Relationship presentation, and a presentation from The Energy Authority (TEA). Reports presented included the Environmental Affairs Quarterly Business Report and the Business Advancement and Strategy quarterly Business Report.

This document outlines Grant PUD's rate-setting strategy, prioritizing the provision of low-cost hydropower from the Priest Rapids Project to core customers, including residential, agricultural, and small business segments. The strategy aims to establish long-term stable rates competitive within the Northwest Region, avoid rate shock, and introduces new billing terms to enhance transparency.

The meeting commenced with an executive session covering performance of a public employee, pending litigation, and real estate discussions. The regular session included a review of vouchers, correspondence, and the Commission calendar. A Financial/Organization Performance Report was presented, followed by a Balanced Scorecard Review. The Commission also received an audit entrance presentation. Key business involved a motion authorizing the General Manager/CEO to provide direction regarding the Crescent Bar Recreation Area Golf Course, with options being to either continue operations (potentially including irrigation system work) or to proceed with reprogramming alternatives via a formal proposal to FERC. The Commission also approved Resolution No. 9114, which supersedes previous resolutions relating to amending several rate schedules and sunsetting Rate Schedule No. 18, effective April 1, 2026. Further actions included authorizing the execution of a power purchase agreement with VoltaGrid LLC, a retail service agreement with Vantage Data Centers, and Change Order No. 6 to Contract 430-11765 with Absher Construction Design Build Team for the Ephrata Service Center Phase 2. A walk-on motion regarding property condemnation was deferred to the March 24, 2026 meeting. The session concluded with an overview of upcoming business meetings in Washington D.C., and subsequent recesses/resumptions were noted for travel and future meetings.

This document presents a comprehensive study and comparative financial analysis for the Crescent Bar Golf Course. It evaluates two primary scenarios: maintaining the existing nine-hole golf course with irrigation upgrades, or reprogramming the site for alternative recreation. The reprogramming alternatives explored include passive recreation (disc golf, trails, lawns), mini-golf with mixed recreation and limited camping, and camping-oriented recreation (RV and walk-in camping). The study analyzes capital investment, operating revenues, operations and maintenance costs, net operating income, cumulative cash flow, and net present value for each alternative over a 15-year planning horizon through 2040. The objective is to inform Grant PUD's strategic decision-making regarding the long-term use and financial sustainability of the site, balancing community benefits, water use, and fiscal responsibility.

This strategic plan outlines Grant PUD's comprehensive roadmap for future growth and operational excellence, encompassing infrastructure enhancements, demand management, and technological advancements. Key focus areas include the Quincy Transmission Expansion Plan (QTEP) to expand grid capacity and improve reliability, and a robust Large Power Queue Management strategy combined with a Growth Reservation Product to ensure fair allocation and reduce speculative demand. The plan also details long-term initiatives for Shared Services, such as facility modernization, supply chain optimization, and fleet electrification, alongside Enterprise Technology's focus on infrastructure performance, cybersecurity, and strategic AI integration. The overarching vision is to achieve responsible growth, maintain financial sustainability, and protect existing customers through disciplined planning and execution.