Tacoma Public Utilities

The document details a motion to elect officers for the Public Utility Board, specifically nominating and electing Elly Claus-McGahan as Chair, Anita Gallagher as Vice-Chair, and Devin Hampton as Secretary.

The Tacoma Power 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlines resource findings and a draft action plan to address future energy needs. The plan identifies no immediate requirement for additional energy resources beyond conservation but anticipates winter capacity gaps emerging in the late 2030s or early 2040s. Its strategic pillars include sustained investment in cost-effective conservation, scaling up demand response programs, pursuing the restoration of Riffe Lake elevation, mitigating intermittent capacity risks, and further investigating opportunities to enhance the existing hydro system, notably at Mossyrock Dam. This approach aims to proactively secure system reliability and meet long-term energy demands.

The 2026 Integrated Resource Plan for Tacoma Power serves as a strategic roadmap to ensure continued provision of renewable, reliable, and affordable energy for decades. The plan identifies five key strategies: investing in cost-effective conservation (targeting 26,214 MWh by 2027 and 131,068 MWh over ten years), expanding demand response programs (aiming for 0.6 MW in two years and 12 MW over ten years), restoring Riffe Lake elevation by 2031 to add 35 MW capacity, developing strategies to mitigate intermittent capacity risks during generator rebuilds, and exploring enhancements to the existing hydro system, such as adding a conventional generator at Mossyrock Dam. This approach aims to address projected capacity tightening due to demand growth and contractual changes, ensuring resource adequacy and CETA compliance.

This document outlines the Bill Credit Assistance Plan (BCAP) for 2026-2027, focusing on improving equitable access to utility assistance through simple, transparent, and income-based support. Key areas include aligning eligibility and enrollment processes with trusted community and government programs. Proposed changes include removing earned credits, adjusting base credits, expanding eligibility from 60% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI), and implementing income-based tiers. The plan aims to increase access via auto-enrollment and outreach, with future development of a proposed income-based tiered assistance model to ensure resources align with customer needs.

The board meeting agenda focused on various procurement and contract management resolutions. This included awarding job order contracts to Saybr Contractors, FORMA Construction Company, and Rognlin's Inc., as well as approving contract increases and extensions for consulting services, equipment supply, and specialized maintenance services with firms including The Gordian Group, Jensen Enterprises, Cleaveland Price, General Pacific, Anixter, HDR Engineering, and Sare Electric. The agenda also featured a recognition for the Tacoma Rail Jake Safety Award.