Cowlitz County Public Utility District 1

The board meeting agenda was approved without changes. Key discussions focused on significant operational matters. The General Manager reported on a recent Silverlake power outage caused by a DUI accident, affecting approximately 3,000 customers, and noted ongoing analysis of the Gardners Corner substation. Updates were provided on KWRL's acquisition of 14 electric school buses and improved supply of 3-phase transformers. Information was shared regarding the FERC approval of a pump storage system in the Columbia River Gorge and a recent leadership change at Seattle City Light. Action items included the approval of vouchers/payroll for expenditures totaling $25,505,695.03. The Board also approved the renewal of the District's Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance with AEGIS for $153,450. Furthermore, the renewal of the primary liability insurance with Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange and excess liability layers was approved, not to exceed $1,093,424. Finally, approval was granted to authorize the General Manager to sign a Letter of Intent regarding the Nine Canyon Wind Project Life Extension Project, indicating up to 100% participation, subject to future PPA discussions.

The agenda for the meeting included standard items such as approving the agenda and ratifying vouchers and payroll. Key discussions involved the introduction of a new employee, the Utility Contracts Coordinator, and the General Manager's report which covered a significant outage in Silverlake caused by a vehicle accident, updates on the Gardners Corner substation status, a ribbon-cutting for new electric school buses purchased by KWRL, improved availability of 3-phase transformers, the approval of a pump storage system license by FERC in the Columbia River Gorge, and a leadership change at Seattle City Light. Action items included the approval of renewals for Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance and general liability insurance, as well as authorizing a Letter of Intent for the Nine Canyon Wind Project Life Extension Project, subject to future Power Purchase Agreement discussions.

The agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled key actions and reports. Discussion items include approving the board agenda and ratifying/approving vouchers and payroll. The General Manager will provide a report. Major action items include a Public Hearing regarding the surplus of property, followed by a motion to approve the staff recommendation concerning the property surplus. Staff reports will cover Major Industrial Delivery Charge Rates and January 2026 Operational Reports across various departments. A provision is included for a potential Executive Session.

The meeting agenda included motions to approve the agenda and the minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting, followed by public comment. Action items centered on the renewal of Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance and Liability Insurance, as well as approval regarding the Letter of Intent for the Nine Canyon Wind Project Life Extension. Staff reports covered December 2025 operational reports, including updates on power management, accounting, operations, engineering, and regulatory affairs. The agenda also provided for an executive session if necessary.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting held on December 9, 2025. The Board ratified vouchers/payroll totaling $18,108,697.73 issued between December 11, 2025, and January 8, 2026. A new Warehouse Helper was introduced. Key reports included a snowpack update noting the Lewis River Basin is at 52% of normal, and an update on the 9 Canyon Wind Project evaluation for a 10-year life extension, with a staff recommendation forthcoming. The bond refunding update confirmed the closing occurred on December 23rd, yielding $3.5 million in gross savings over 10 years due to a Moody's rating upgrade. A Board workshop is scheduled for January 27th to discuss the Swift No. 2 generator breaker project and strategic planning SWOT analysis. The primary action item was the approval, with one abstention, of the renewal of a 5-year Public Right-of-Way Franchise Agreement with Lewis County.