Blog – Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises

Federal Investments in the Warm Springs Power Pathway Add to National Security, Technological Supremacy and Prosperity

In 2023, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) was selected to receive a $250 million Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help advance vital transmission upgrades to the existing Bethel-Round Butte transmission line in partnership with Portland General Electric (PGE).

Now called the Warm Springs Power Pathway, this project will contribute to the Nation’s economic and military security and our American prosperity, while supporting our country’s position as a leader in global technology.

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

in CEO Updates, Hydroelectric Dam, Transmission Line

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.

Bethel-Round Butte transmission line: its capacity and our ownership

in CEO Updates, Transmission Line

In our first column, we briefly mentioned the $250 million grant that Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises (WSPWE) received, on behalf of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, to upgrade the Bethel-Round Butte transmission line. We’d like to share a little bit more about what makes this so significant for the Tribes and why it’s a critical part of the Enterprises’ work to support Tribal sovereignty.

Here’s the backstory. The line transmits power from the Pelton Round Butte hydropower project to the Willamette Valley. It was built in the 1960s, and it needs to be upgraded because the current line’s capacity is fully utilized.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Partners Begin Collaborative Effort to Upgrade Bethel-Round Butte Transmission Line

in Hydroelectric Dam

Tribal, federal and business leaders came together for kick-off discussions on the transmission line upgrade and its benefits for Tribal communities
Meeting marks the start a of multi-year collaborative project that will unlock renewable energy and job opportunities for Tribal members
Chairman Jonathan Smith says, “We look forward to expanding how our Tribes can shape Oregon’s renewable energy future.”

Earlier today, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs hosted key partners for a kick-off meeting that will begin shaping the planning and development of the upcoming Bethel-Round Butte Transmission Line upgrade.

Developing solar power: How we got here, and what comes next

in CEO Updates, Solar

The Tribes have a big opportunity on the horizon: Developing solar power.

Solar is a central piece of Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises’ (WSPWE) work to unlock more opportunities to manage natural resources and invest in the community’s well-being. The Tribes have the opportunity to set the example for what culturally appropriate, Tribal-led solar development looks like.

You may have attended the December 4 public meeting led by renewable power producing company BrightNight, where the company heard your input on the proposed SalmonFly project. This proposed project has not yet been presented to Tribal Council for approval, and we wanted to explain how we got here, and what you can expect in the future.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Begins the Process to Bring Its First Solar Power Project to the Reservation

in Press releases, Solar

Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises selected renewable energy developer BrightNight as its partner
Proposed project to bring solar power and battery storage to Warm Springs
Tribal members invited to December 4 public scoping meeting to learn more and provide input

Record numbers of steelhead return to the Deschutes River, heralding progress in long-term fish reintroduction effort

in Environment, Hydroelectric Dam, Press releases

The 2024 return of adult steelhead to the Pelton Round Butte hydropower project is the largest since the 1960s, with months still to go in the run

Madras, Ore. (November 7, 2024) — Biologists from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Portland General Electric have collected more than 250 returning adult steelhead at the Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project – the largest steelhead return since dams were completed on the Deschutes River in the 1960s. Scientists say these notable early returns bode well for the year ahead, as Deschutes River steelhead runs typically span from July/August until the following March.

WSPWE’s vision to support the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

in CEO Updates

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.

Governor Kotek Visits Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

in Press releases

Visit to Warm Springs marks fifth of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year

Salem, OR — This week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS). The visit is part of Governor Kotek’s commitment to meet with all of Oregon’s nine federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations in 2024.

“The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have been very gracious hosts this week,” Governor Kotek said. “It was a privilege to take part in the Warbonnet Ceremony designating Jefferson Greene as the newly elected Wasco Chief, see the newly renovated, beautiful Kah-Nee-Ta resort, and learn more about the Tribe’s community services.”