WSPWE watches for changes and continues its work with new federal administration

By Cathy Ehli, General Manager Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises

Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises (WSPWE) is working to support the sovereignty of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs by advancing opportunities for economic development through the energy industry. We often must collaborate with the United States federal government, for example, to gain access to federal financial assistance. With the new administration, we are keeping a close eye on any updates that may affect our projects, especially the Bethel-Round Butte transmission line upgrade.

Overall, we are continuing to advance the Bethel-Round Butte transmission project planning with federal financial assistance that has been obligated to the Tribes. Still, it is early in the administration and they have committed to a close review of existing programs. It is still too soon to determine what lasting changes will be implemented in the U.S. federal government or how they might impact any aspect of our work. As we monitor executive orders, budgeting for different agencies and programs, and staffing across the federal government workforce, we will share whatever we learn as quickly as we can.

But most importantly — while we wait to see what changes the U.S. federal government will make, we are not letting the unknown catch us unprepared.

First, WSPWE and the other enterprises are considering what projects and resources we can prioritize to ensure projects can continue — projects such as the resiliency centers at Kah-Nee-Ta and the Casino. We are proactively exploring alternative sources of funding if federal dollars were to fail to materialize. Also, we remain full steam ahead with upgrading the Bethel-Round Butte transmission line, for which we have already secured a $250 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. We know how important this project is to the Tribes, as a way to fulfill the Tribes’ vision for becoming an energy leader that responsibly cares for the Creator’s gifts while providing for the well-being of the community.

As a reminder, the line currently transmits power from the Pelton Round Butte hydropower project to the Willamette Valley. This project will increase the line’s capacity to transmit more power from more energy projects (including potential Tribal projects). We’ll make the upgrades in partnership with Portland General Electric, ensuring that we benefit from the increased transmission capacity to sell more energy to the Valley. With the Tribes as co-owners of the new transmission capacity, new energy projects like solar development become possible, and revenues will increase for the Tribes to invest in natural resource protection and more social services for members on the Reservation.

Again, I would like to stress that even with some of the uncertainty related to new federal policies, the transmission line upgrade is currently proceeding on schedule. Our partners at Portland General Electric remain just as committed as we are. For example, this week, PGE and the Tribes plan to release a Request for Information to support our planned permitting activities which will begin later this year. Similarly, a Request for Proposal for engineering services is being prepared for release later in the year. WSPWE is also doing research and analytical work evaluating how we can maximize the value to the Tribes of the increased electricity transmission and fiber optic capacity provided by this unique opportunity.

If nothing else, please know this: even if the U.S. federal government makes changes that require WSPWE to adjust how we approach our work, our ultimate goal remains. We will always pursue opportunities to generate funds for the Warm Springs government to exercise its sovereignty and invest in important services like drinking water, jobs, housing and education for the Reservation.