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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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