CEO Updates – Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises

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

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.

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.