WSPWE’s vision to support the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
This has been a productive year for Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises (WSPWE), and we wanted to give you an update.
But first, a little history.
The Tribes first got involved in the hydroelectric business in the 1950s. Tribal members authorized the Tribes to enter into an agreement with Portland General Electric (PGE), which allowed PGE to build, own and operate the Pelton Dam that adjoined and inundated Tribal land. Once the Reregulating Dam was built, the Tribes reserved the right to own and operate a powerhouse at the Reregulating Dam if it ever became feasible. With the construction of the Round Butte Dam in 1964, the Pelton Round Butte Project was complete.
In 1980, the Tribes built the powerhouse in the Reregulating Dam. WSPWE was then formed in 1981 to manage power generation from the Reregulating Dam powerhouse, as well as to manage the Tribes’ interests in the Pelton Project.
In 2000, Tribal members approved the proposal to became joint owners of the Pelton Project with PGE — and today, the Tribes own 49.9% of the entire project. This partnership has brought many benefits to the Reservation, such as re-establishing a salmon run above the project; purchasing several thousand acres along the Deschutes River for wildlife use; and having the Tribes in a more powerful position to protect treaty rights related to fish, wildlife, and water.
But that was only the start of realizing the Tribes’ vision of their role in a clean energy future.
Enter 2024.
WSPWE has a broad vision for how the Enterprises can support the Tribes in becoming leaders in renewable energy. The Tribes are exploring expanded renewable energy production capability to unlock more opportunities to manage natural resources and invest in the community’s well-being.
This vision breaks down into three broad categories:
Utility — WSPWE maintains a strong partnership with PGE as we collaboratively operate and maintain the dams. It’s an expensive operation that we must ensure works properly so the Reservation can continue to benefit from it.
One of the biggest barriers preventing us from doing more is the limited capacity of the transmission line that delivers our hydroelectric power to the Willamette Valley, where the dams’ customer base lives. In the last month, we completed final steps to secure the $250 million grant from the Department of Energy that we announced in 2023, which will allow us to upgrade this transmission line to deliver more power and better protect from potential fires. It is a multi-year project that’s just getting started, and we’ll share more about it in the coming months.
Community — Funds from selling energy enable the Tribes’ work on the Deschutes River of removing fish passage barriers, stabilizing stream banks, restoring channels and floodplains and conserving water — as well as addressing economic inequities. WSPWE is negotiating for Tribal members to be prioritized in the employment opportunities that will come from increasing tribal renewable energy development.
Individual — WSPWE’s new projects will offer more jobs and business opportunities, as well as renewable energy education and career training programs. We’ll also partner with Oregon Tradeswomen to develop an apprenticeship program. And while the Reservation gets its power from Pacific Corp, we plan to bring WSPWE-owned solar energy into the mix, which we want to use to power designated places within the community where you can find relief during especially hot or cold days.
We have a big vision for how the Enterprises can support Tribal sovereignty, and we do this by honoring the Creator’s gifts that guide the Tribes’ way of life, spiritually, and give connection to the lands and how they are managed.
WSPWE might work more “behind the scenes,” but we are still proud to help provide for a strong future. In owning and selling renewable energy, the Enterprises exist to support the sovereignty of the Tribes and bring members like you as many direct benefits as possible.