Northwest Public Power Association Ebulletin Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Legislative Announcements

President Obama releases FY17 budget request; Cybersecurity gets boost in budget; Supreme Court halts Clean Power Plan pending court review; Senate bill stalled over Flint, Mich., issue; House Transportation reauthorization bill addresses drone policy; House Ag panel discusses EPA impacts on rural economies; House Resources panel holds hearing on salmon predation in the Northwest; DOE to review electricity system in second Quadrennial Energy Review; and Federal agencies finalize revised rules and policy on critical habitat and adverse modification.

Public Power Industry Announcements

Grant PUD commissioners welcome Nordt as new GM; BPA’s chief operating officer announces retirement; Westview High School wins BPA Regional https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/online/ 1/5 2/22/2016 eBulletin Online | Northwest Public Power Association Science Bowl; and Why the “duck curve” created by solar power is a problem for utilities.

Associate Member Announcements

Shepard joins Ruralite Services as new CEO; SEDC selects Jacek Szamrej to spearhead Cyber Resilience Initiative; Potelco names Mark Swanson as executive vice president; E Source and SEPA partner on residential solar rate design and communications initiative; Aclara Meters selected by Consolidated Edison, Inc.; Evluma OmniMaxTM LED lamp changes the look of LED; and Oregonbased Ruralite Wins National Coop Award.

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

Looking to plan your training for 2016 or view a catalog of training events? Click on the button below.

2016 eCatalog PDF

Check out these upcoming training events:

Substation Series: Substation Overview & Inspections March 2 — 3, 2016

PowerShell for Administering Windows Workstations, Servers, and Domains March 8, 2016

Electric Utility System Operations March 9 — 10, 2016 https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/online/ 2/5 2/22/2016 eBulletin Online | Northwest Public Power Association IT Conference: Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Recovery March 9 – 11, 2016

Nuts and Bolts of Work Orders March 10 – 11, 2016

Administrative Professional Certificate Level 2: All Four Days March 15 – 18, 2016

Administrative Professional Certificate Level 2: Day 1 – Critical-Thinking and Decision-Making Skills March 15, 2016 Administrative Professional Certificate Level 2: Day 2 – Positive Assertiveness March 16, 2016

Administrative Professional Certificate Level 2: Day 3 – Organizational Skills; Time & Stress Management March 17, 2016

Administrative Professional Certificate Level 2: Day 4 – Personal Strategies for Navigating Change March 18, 2016

Substation Series: Print Reading March 16, 2016

Don’t forget to sign up for these additional substation series classes:

Substation Series: Substation Transformer & Regulator Maintenance March 17, 2016

Substation Series: Substation Battery Maintenance & Testing March 18, 2016

NWPPA Labor and Employee Relations Member Meeting (formerly the Northwest Wage & Hour Group) March 18, 2016

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/online/ 3/5 2/22/2016 eBulletin Online | Northwest Public Power Association Industry Calendar of Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming public power meetings.

RFP/RFQs

Utilities:NWPPA offers its utility members the opportunity (at no cost) to post RFPs and RFQs on our website at no charge. Reach out to NWPPA’s almost 4,000 associate member contacts that supply goods and services to the utility industry and might be interestedin responding to your utility RFP/RFQ. For more information, contact Debbie K. [email protected].

Associate Members:Make sure to check out NWPPA’s RFP/RFQ Web page to view utility RFP listings. Listings are posted as they are received by NWPPA.

New RFP posted February 9th, 2016!

Recent Industry Job Openings

View the job opportunities posted to NWPPA’s website in the past week.

On This Day in History

Silver dollars made legal; Archaeologist opens tomb of King Tut; Bill Johnson becomes first American to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing; and Jeff Gordon becomes youngest Daytona winner. https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/online/ 4/5 2/22/2016 eBulletin Online | Northwest Public Power Association

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https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/online/ 5/5 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association

Legislative Announcements

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President Obama releases FY17 budget request

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

On February 9, the White House sent to Congress its $4.1 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget proposal. This is the last budget the Obama administration will compile, and it is expected to get a poor reception from the Republican Congress (if it receives much attention from Capitol Hill at all).

The President said his budget would build on the global climate accord, signed in Paris in December, to develop a “climate smart economy” with new investments in transportation and clean energy. It would prepare communities for the onset of climate change, protect natural resources, and show an even greater commitment to reducing global carbon emissions.

The budget calls for $32.5 billion for Department of Energy (DOE) programs, a 9percent increase over the current fiscal year’s enacted level. The request would slate $12.6 billion specifically for science and energy programs. Clean energy research funding is set to double over https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 1/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association the next five years, with $1.6 billion to be spent in the next decade on developing climate infrastructure. There is also a proposal to increase DOE clean energy research and development spending from $6.4 billion in FY16 to $12.8 billion by FY21.

Not surprisingly, the DOE budget plan requests no money for the Yucca Mountain project. It does include funding for a program, expected to cost $4.5 billion during the first decade, to create a pilot interim storage facility by 2021, a larger interim facility by 2025, and a final repository more than two decades later. Currently, about 70,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel is being stored at 72 commercial nuclear plants across the country (this would be beneficial to several operating and closed nuclear reactors in the states that NWPPA serves), and is growing by 2,000 metric tons a year, according to budget estimates.

The budget request also would provide $89 million for DOE’s fiveyear program consisting of $452 million to finance the licensing of small modular reactors. NuScale, the company awarded the grant under the program, expects to submit a license application for its design by the end of the calendar year. NWPPA members Energy Northwest and UAMPS are participating in the project and support full funding for the program.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request totals $8.2 billion in discretionary funding, an increase from current enacted levels ($8.1 million) but a decrease from the $8.6 billion that the Obama administration requested for the agency last year. Obama’s spending blueprint asks for a small increase in funding for the agency’s core https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 2/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association regulatory programs, but would cut state and tribal assistance grants. The Republican Congress has sought to cut the EPA budget over the last few budget cycles as a reaction to what it views as regulatory overreach by the agency in its rule making; specifically with regards to the EPA’s Clean Water Rule (Waters of the United States) and Clean Power Plan.

The Interior Department’s $13.4 billion request is an effort to continue the President’s record of preserving land and wildlife while increasing the federal estate. The President’s budget fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million, which would double current LWCF funding. The budget also includes $137.6 million for refuge land acquisition, including $58.7 million in current funding and $79 million in proposed permanent funding, an increase of $69.1 million above the 2016 enacted level.

“This is a smart, innovative, and forwardlooking budget that invests in Interior’s key missions – now and in the future – so we can continue to serve the American people,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell in a statement. “The president’s budget provides targeted investments to create economic opportunities by growing our domestic energy portfolio, building climateresilient communities.”

Republicans in Congress are not enthusiastic about the budget proposal. “The President’s final budget unfortunately doesn’t look much different than other years,” said Appropriations Chair Hal Rogers (R–Ky.). “It is a spending wish list that doesn’t reflect our real budgetary constraints and…would saddle hardworking Americans with additional taxes and fees.” https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 3/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association

Cybersecurity gets boost in budget

The President requested a significant boost in cybersecurity funding – a total of more than $19 billion – in the FY17 budget he sent to Congress on February 9. The funds will be used, in part, to implement a new Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP), outlined in a White House release issued the same day.

CNAP will include $3.1 billion to retire the government’s outmoded IT systems and transition to more modern systems; $174 million for outreach to boost private sector cybersecurity awareness; $764 million to upgrade technology to enable federal agencies to better manage cyber risk on near realtime basis; $318 million for continued R&D on cyber technologies; $682 million for the Department of Justice to investigate cyber intrusions that pose serious threats to national security; and $62 million to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce.

Of interest to utilities and others in the private sector, the CNAP includes the creation of a Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, to be comprised of “top strategic, business, and technical thinkers” from outside government, including participants designated by Congress.

The Commission is tasked with making “detailed recommendations” on actions that can be taken over the next decade to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protections throughout the private sector and at all levels of government. A report containing the

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 4/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association recommendations is due to Congress and the President by the end of 2016.

Supreme Court halts Clean Power Plan pending court review

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

OOn February 9, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay halting implementation of the Obama Administration’s flagship climate initiative, the Clean Power Plan. The action prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from continuing actions in connection with the rule, including accepting and evaluating initial plans from states, until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling on the merits of the case challenging the rule.

The decision is unprecedented because it overturns the D.C Circuit Court of Appeals’ unanimous rejection of the stay request before the lower court has ruled on the merits of the case. While the D.C. Circuit noted that the petitioners had not met the threshold for awarding a stay, the Supreme Court’s order simply said the request was “granted.” Five justices – including Hon. Anthony Kennedy, who penned the 2007 landmark opinion in Massachusetts v. EPA that set in motion the regulation of carbon dioxide as a pollutant – joined the opinion, while the four most liberalleaning justices said they would have denied the request.

Neither court discussed its reasoning, leaving stakeholders to wonder

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 5/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association what the decision means for the underlying case. The 54 divide could represent the leanings of the Court on the underlying merits, but justices who joined the stay could have done so because they wish to review such a transformational rule before it takes effect, and justices who declined to join could have done so because they believe the legal requirements for a stay were not met or because regular procedure calls for a final ruling from the lower court.

Many have suggested that the move reflects the court’s concern that its last air regulatory case (on the Mercury and Air Toxics [MATS] rule) remanded a rule that most power plants had already complied with, rendering its decision futile.

Critics of the rule, including Republicans in Congress and attorneys general, cheered the decision, saying it reflected a Supreme Court skeptical of the rule’s legality. APPA issued a statement in support of the stay, saying, “Regardless of their position on these issues, almost all parties agree that implementation of the [rule] will result in broad and transformative changes to the electricity industry. Thus, resolving these highly controversial issues will significantly reduce the uncertainty of the program and, ultimately, the costs to consumers… In the interim, public power utilities will continue their substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through greater use of renewable, nuclear, and other low and nonemitting sources of electricity generation, and the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs.”

The move is a major setback for the Obama Administration. The White House issued a statement noting that the schedule for the https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 6/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association litigation keeps the U.S. on track to meet its commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement. However, with oral arguments set in the D.C. Circuit for June 2, a lower court decision is not likely until the fall. The Supreme Court could then take up an appeal in one of its fall sittings, making a final disposition unlikely before the current Administration leaves office at the end of 2016.

Whatever the outcome of the underlying case, it will be the next Administration that decides how to respond to the court’s final disposition.

Senate bill stalled over Flint, Mich., issue

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

The Senate did not renew debate on amendments to S. 2012, the Senate energy bill, due to a standoff between Senate Republicans and Democrats over funding to address lead contamination in the Flint, Mich., water supply.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R– Alaska) remains upbeat about prospects to move ahead on the bill, despite the impasse, but there does not appear to be any consensus between Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow (D) and Gary Peters (D) and the GOP majority. Rep. James Inhofe (R–Okla.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee with primary jurisdiction over the Clean Water Act, has reportedly made a couple of counteroffers to Stabenow and Peters, which were rejected.

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 7/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association By the middle of the week of February 8, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R–Ky.) turned to consideration of a bill to impose sanctions on North Korea for its recent missile tests. McConnell has committed to giving Sen. Murkowski more floor time if the Flint issue is resolved, but given the election year dynamic, it will be increasingly difficult to move the bill the later in the year it gets.

The electric sector, including NWPPA, are continuing to express opposition to the KingReid Distributed Generation amendment to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, which includes substantive federal conditions on state and local ratemaking in order to protect existing net metering customers, like those in Nevada, and to promote net metering for new customers.

The electric sector also continues to oppose the Collins amendment, which would conflict with the existing FERC/NERC process to develop and implement electric reliability and cybersecurity standards.

House Transportation reauthorization bill addresses drone policy

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

On February 11, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee considered H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, which provides for a sixyear reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The legislation includes a title (described below) dedicated to unmanned

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 8/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association aircraft systems (UAS) – also known as drones.

The AIRR Act addresses efforts to integrate civil UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). The bill would:

Expedite safe deployment of commercial UAS by creating a risk based permitting process Establish a streamlined process for the FAA to permit the operation of small UAS for certain uses Establish a pilot program to evaluate UAS detection and mitigation technology Facilitate utilization of UAS in support of firefighting operations Direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) inspector general to assess the FAA’s small UAS registration system, and require FAA to develop and track metrics to assess compliance with and effectiveness of the system Establish a governmentindustry advisory committee to assess the necessity and feasibility of a lowaltitude unmanned aircraft system traffic management system Direct DOT to conduct a study on the privacy implications of UAS operations

Of interest to NWPPA, Committee Chair Bill Shuster (R–Pa.) successfully offered an amendment requiring the FAA to work with the Department of Energy and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “facilitate the expeditious authorization of safe unmanned aircraft system operation in support of service restoration efforts of utilities.” This provision is a good first step in clarifying that Congress expects the FAA to give special consideration to electric utility restoration use of drones.

More important to public power systems were congressional efforts to ensure that public power utilities seeking to use UAS to aid in electric

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 9/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association system operation, maintenance, and recovery during outages, would clearly qualify as “public aircraft” operation. To date, the FAA has been reluctant to grant public power utilities a public Certificate of Authorization (COA), saying that it is unclear whether these state and local departments and entities are “governmental.”

While no amendment was offered, public power stakeholders (including NWPPA) worked with Morgan Meguire and APPA to contact Reps. Jeff Denham (R–Calif.), Duncan Hunter (R–Calif.), Jared Huffman (D–Calif.), John Garamendi (D–Calif.), and others on the committee to urge inclusion of report language that would clarify that public power UAS qualify as public aircraft rather than civil aircraft.

While not finalized, public power recommended that the report include language that may say: “Expedited consideration of certificates of authorization for public unmanned aircraft systems codified by this bill, including for governmentoperated electric utilities, will help ensure the continued reliability of this critical public service.”

The current FAA authorization expires on March 31, 2016, and it is unlikely that the House and Senate will agree on final language before the deadline – thus setting up the stage for a shortterm extension.

addition, the House bill includes the highly controversial proposal to privatize air traffic control, which key Republicans and Democrats oppose. The Senate Transportation Committee has not yet held hearings or introduced legislation to reauthorize the FAA.

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 10/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association House Ag panel discusses EPA impacts on rural economies

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

On February 11, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to consider the impacts of EPA actions on rural economies. Administrator Gina McCarthy gave testimony regarding her agency’s decisions on policies that effect rural communities.

The main topic of discussion in the hearing was the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, also known as Waters of the United States (WOTUS). NWPPA has been active in expressing concerns about the rule’s impact on electric systems who may suddenly be required to get federal permits for work near bodies of water that were previously outside federal jurisdiction.

“This rule is simply the result of EPA ignoring stakeholders,” said Chair Mike Conaway (R–Texas) in his opening remarks, “including states, other federal agencies, and the American people, in order to egregiously and vastly expand its jurisdiction. This rule is already tied up in the court system, and I would imagine it will be there for many years.”

Members of both parties criticized the rule. Rep. David Scott (D–Ga.) said that the EPA had “…drastically manhandled the rights of our farmers, especially dealing with this water issue.” Scott also accused the EPA of breaking the law with regards to the use of social media in grassroots lobbying in support of the rule. https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 11/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association McCarthy defended her agency’s actions, arguing that the rule stems from concerns expressed by the Supreme Court. She further stated that lawmakers were overstating the Government Accounting Office’s findings regarding the use of grassroots social media in lobbying.

“You’ve basically subverted the rulemaking process,” said Rep. Rick Crawford (R–Alaska) about the lobbying issue. “It’s obvious you were…just concerned about the views of your political allies.”

Chair Conaway said his hope for the hearing was to open the door to a more cooperative working relationship between farmers and the EPA. “Farmers and ranchers believe the EPA is attacking them,” Conaway said. “They believe little credit is given to them for all the voluntary conservation activities that they have been engaged in for years.”

House Resources panel holds hearing on salmon predation in the Northwest

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

On February 10, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power, and Oceans held a hearing titled, “The Costly Impacts of Predation and Conflicting Federal Statutes on Native and Endangered Fish Species.” The panel discussed how conflicting federal laws encourage predation of fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“The status quo may be working for sea lions and litigators, but it’s https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 12/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association not working for the American taxpayer, the electricity ratepayer, fisheries, tribal communities who have worked hard to bring back salmon populations, and our food consumers nationwide,” said Subcommittee Chair John Fleming (R–La.). “Today’s hearing is another step towards muchneeded change.”

Witnesses at the hearing were Leotis McCormack, commissioner for the Columbia River InterTribal Fish Commission; Will Stelle, regional administrator for the West Coast Region of the National Marine Fisheries Service; Dr. Gary Grossman, professor of animal ecology at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia; and Doug Demko, president of FishBio (a consulting firm specializing in fisheries research and monitoring), representing the San Joaquin Tributaries Authority. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe was invited to the hearing but was not able to attend.

All members were concerned about the drought and the problems caused by exporting water needed for agriculture, and most indicated the need for further research on the subject.

Commissioner McCormack expressed the need for the federal government to consider thinning out the number of predators that prey on weaker endangered and threatened species, even if those predators themselves were on the ESA list. Demko agreed with McCormack and further suggested that all nonnative species be removed as well, in order to protect the endangered fish that are prey to the nonnative sports fish. Dr. Grossman said that there was not enough scientific data to determine if thinning predator populations https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 13/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association would bring back salmon and other species. He further said that there were multiple factors involved beyond predation and that more scientific data was needed in order to make sound policy decisions about thinning predators whether they were native or not.

“Each year in Central Washington, significant resources are spent on hatcheries, fish passage, fish ladders, and other efforts to improve salmon recovery in the Columbia River only to have endangered salmon fall prey to federally protected predators,” Rep. Dan Newhouse (R–Wash.) said. “In addition to current conservation efforts, tribes and state governments require updated tools and authorities to manage predatory species to improve survival of salmon and other native species.”

Stelle, in his testimony, acknowledged that the problem was complex but expressed his desire to work with states and local water users to develop answerers to the problems faced with the conflicting federal guidelines.

DOE to review electricity system in second Quadrennial Energy Review

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

On February 4, the Department of Energy (DOE) held a public meeting on the nation’s electricity system as part of the second installment of its Quadrennial Energy Review (QER). Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz – along with Dr. John P. Holdren, director of the White

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 14/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Dan Utech, deputy assistant to the President for energy and climate change – hosted two panels of utility witnesses.

The first panel addressed generation and transmission, and included Sue Kelly of APPA; Gerry Cauley, president and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation; and representatives from the Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Supply Association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

They discussed generation and transmission and the current challenges to sending resources over a long range to the biggest loads, as well as obstacles to building new transmission infrastructure. There was also an emphasis on the need for fuel diversity, the dangers of overinvestment, and the need for new business models and customer solutions in light of industry changes. There was a general push against federal regulation of the power industry, specifically against the Clean Power Plan. Kelly in particular took the position that regulation should be left to state and local communities.

The second panel, focused on electric distribution issues, included speakers from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Solar Energy Industries Association, Institute for Electric Innovation, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

This panel focused more on the benefits, economics, and future of clean and efficient energy, and the energy industry as a whole. In

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 15/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association addition to reporting customer savings of up to 5 percent (and growing), the panel cited economic calculations that indicate many nonfinancial economic benefits for clean and efficient energy, such as increased public health, better employee comfort, better public image, and better product quality. The importance of distributed generation and net metering was particularly emphasized.

Both panels echoed themes of further investment in “smart grid,” renewable integration, and grid security. Customers are demanding increasingly individualized services; therefore, utilities need to find creative solutions to both provide services and remain financially sound.

DOE has planned a series of five public meetings to receive input on the subject between now and April, with the goal of producing a report before the Administration leaves office at the end of the year. They will be announced within the week.

Federal agencies finalize revised rules and policy on critical habitat and adverse modification

Update provided by Morgan Meguire

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service have released the final policy and two rules (50 CFR Part 424 and 50 CFR Part 402) that make modifications to the critical habitat process and the definition of “adverse modification” under the Endangered Species Act. In 2014, NWPPA joined the National

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/legislative/ 16/17 2/22/2016 Legislative Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association Endangered Species Act Coalition in filing comments opposing the broadening of the definition of critical habitat and other regulatory changes which would only allow more lands, with a tenuous connection to listed species, to be designated as critical habitat. Links to the final rules are included here:

Additional information for each rule (news release and FAQs) available at:

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_esa/AM.html http://www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_esa/DCH.html http://www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_esa/CHE.html

Analysis of the final rules are in the works.

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Public Power Announcements

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Grant PUD commissioners welcome Nordt as new GM

During their normal business meeting on February 9, Grant PUD (Ephrata, Wash.) commissioners announced the appointment of former Chief Financial Officer Kevin Nordt as the new general manager, effective June 3, 2016. Nordt joined Grant PUD in 2004 and brings more than 25 years of experience to the position.

The appointment by commissioners follows a succession plan submitted by former General Manager Tony Webb in January. Webb will continue with the utility in a senior leadership capacity and assist with the transition over the coming months.

“The utility is in a strong position today and with Kevin in the GM role we are going to grow even stronger,” said Commission President Tom Flint. “Our current position reinforces that the timing is right for the utility to transition to a new leader. We have accomplished incredible things in the past few years under Tony’s outstanding leadership and I am confident that Kevin will continue to build on that momentum.”

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 1/6 2/22/2016 Public Power Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association “This is a definite change in positions but not a change in direction of the utility,” shared Nordt. “Tony and I have been in sync with the direction the utility needs to head all along. We have accomplished great things over these past few years in spite of incredible odds. I respect the direction Tony has taken the utility and am grateful to have him on the Grant PUD team.”

Prior to his appointment as general manager, Nordt served as the CFO, and was the director of power management at Grant PUD. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical physics from St. John’s University; a Master of Science degree in nuclear engineering and engineering physics from the University of Wisconsin; and additional graduate work in computational finance at Oregon Graduate Institute. Prior to working at Grant PUD he worked with regional utilities, including Portland General Electric and Energy Northwest.

BPA’s chief operating officer announces retirement

Chief Operating Officer Claudia Andrews announced last week that she will retire from the Bonneville Power Administration on September 30.

Andrews, who was appointed chief operating officer in February 2014, is responsible for Power Services; Transmission Services; Environment, Fish and Wildlife; Customer Support Services; and Information Technology.

“I am deeply appreciative of Claudia’s talent and leadership on so https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 2/6 2/22/2016 Public Power Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association many levels – from the managerial courage she displays as we navigate BPA through tough issues at the core of our highly complex business, to her thoughtful and caring approach in interacting with our workforce,” said BPA Administrator Elliot Mainzer. “She will be missed.”

Before serving as chief operating officer, Andrews was BPA’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing capital and debt management, accounting, cash management, and budgeting. Between 2006 and 2012, she served as BPA’s treasurer, acting chief risk officer, and acting chief financial officer. Previously, she held a variety of management and staff positions in the Finance, Power Services, and Supply Chain organizations. She has worked at BPA since 1990.

“Culminating my career at BPA as chief operating officer has provided me with an even greater opportunity to work with – and appreciate – the tremendously gifted and dedicated people at BPA,” Andrews said. “I am very proud of the things we have accomplished during our time together.”

Andrews added that staying focused on BPA is what is most important to her and she has many things to accomplish during her remaining months, including assuring a seamless transition to a new chief operating officer. Waiting until the end of September should allow enough time to conduct the federal selection process and provide a brief overlap period before her departure. BPA will soon post a vacancy announcement for the next chief operating officer, a Senior Executive Service position. https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 3/6 2/22/2016 Public Power Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association

Westview High School wins BPA Regional Science Bowl

Threetime champion Westview High School Team 1 of Beaverton, Ore., proved unstoppable Saturday afternoon in the Bonneville Power Administration Regional Science Bowl at the University of Portland. In the 25thanniversary event, Westview overcame a strong challenge from secondplace finisher Lincoln High School of Portland.

Catlin Gabel School Team 1 of Portland finished third, and Sunset High School Team 1 of Beaverton, Ore., was fourth among 59 teams of math and science whizzes from schools across western Oregon and western Washington.

The nation’s largest regional science bowl highlighted the intellectual and competitive energy of more than 250 high school students vying for an allexpensepaid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl from April 28 to May 2.

The middle school competition was held the previous weekend with Evergreen Junior High Team 1 of Redmond, Wash., taking the top spot. Shahala Middle School Team 1 of Vancouver, Wash., came in a close second with Stoller Middle School and Meadow Park Middle School, both of Beaverton, rounding out the top 4.

BPA sponsors the science bowl to showcase students’ talents in science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as to encourage them to consider careers in these fields. This helps to build the future labor pool of scientists and innovators so critical to the energy industry. The BPA Regional Science Bowl is sponsored by the https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 4/6 2/22/2016 Public Power Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association University of Portland, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and Vernier Software & Technology.

For the full news release and a photo of the winning team, visit https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Westview-High-School-wins- BPA-Regional-Science-Bowl.aspx.

Why the “duck curve” created by solar power is a problem for utilities

Update provided by David Roberts, Vox (02/10/2016)

Let’s talk about the “duck curve,” shall we? Everyone who cares about solar energy should know about the duck curve. Plus, it’s fun to say. Duck curve. Duck curve.

The long story is below, but the short story is: The duck curve refers to the effect that solar power has on demand for utility electricity.

For many, many decades, demand for electricity followed a fairly predictable daily course, allowing utility grid managers to become experts at predicting and satisfying it.

The addition of large amounts of solar to the grid promises to fundamentally change the shape of that daily demand profile — in ways that make grid operators nervous about maintaining power and reliability. And in ways that make it look like a duck.

The duck curve is a problem, albeit a solvable problem. In my next post, I’m going to get into all the various ways to solve it. But for https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 5/6 2/22/2016 Public Power Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association today, I’m just going to lay it out. And possibly make a bunch of duck jokes.

For the full article, visit http://www.vox.com/2016/2/10/10960848/solar- energy-duck-curve.

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https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/publicpower/ 6/6 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association

Associate Member Announcements

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Shepard joins Ruralite Services as new CEO

Ruralite Services Inc. has named Michael Shepard as its incoming CEO. Earlier this year, Russell Green, Ruralite Services CEO since

2005, announced he had accepted a new Michael Shepard, Ruralite CEO position with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation as a regional vice president.

Shepard is currently regional publisher for Wick Communications, a privately owned media company based in southeastern Arizona. Before taking the position at Wick, he was senior vice president – business operations for the Seattle Times. He has a degree in communications with a journalism emphasis from Washington State University (WSU).

Shepard began his career as a courthouse reporter for the Moscow/Pullman Daily News on the Idaho/Washington border. He has

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 1/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association served as president of both the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington, and was a longtime member and chair of the professional advisory board for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU. His publications career has taken him to jobs based in Walla Walla, Yakima, and Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula, giving him an appreciation for rural communities.

“In Mike, we have found a candidate with the skill set to take us into the future,” said Brad Reeve, Ruralite Services Board chair and CEO of Kotzebue Electric Cooperative, Kotzebue, Alaska. “He has been both on the editorial and the management side of the organizations with which he has been affiliated. And he has experience in multiple location publications, management, and operations. We are pleased to have him join us at Ruralite.”

“I am delighted and honored to be named the next CEO of Ruralite Services,” said Shepard, who will begin working March 14. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in North Plains, Ore. “I appreciate this opportunity to lead Ruralite toward the board’s vision of the future. Ruralite has great opportunities to grow and even better serve its customers, and I look forward to working with the fine Ruralite Services staff to address them.”

Ruralite Services makes communications simple for members. Ruralite Services publishes magazines, helps spread news, and provides an array of communication and marketing services to members, helping them from planning to completion and the delivery of products. In addition to many marketing services, magazine publications, and https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 2/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association website offerings, Ruralite Services offers energy efficiency and conservation services through a subsidiary, Efficiency Services Group, and utility parts distribution and advanced technical services through General Pacific.

SEDC selects Jacek Szamrej to spearhead Cyber Resilience Initiative

SEDC, an industry leader in utility IT solutions, has selected Jacek Szamrej to guide the company’s Cyber Resilience Initiative as vice president of cybersecurity. Szamrej was selected after an extensive nationwide search and meets the company’s stringent requirements for knowledge of IT standards and protocols from the viewpoint of both the utility and the IT solution provider.

Szamrej brings over 30 years of experience to the post, starting his career as an electrical engineer before expanding his capabilities into networking and communication technologies. He has served the last 12 years as the IT manager at Vermont Electric Cooperative, where he covered all areas of information technology from fiber optics to voice radio to software applications and network infrastructure. During his tenure at Vermont Electric Cooperative, Szamrej was an active participant in the growing cybersecurity landscape, participating in Department of Energy pilot programs, expanding his knowledge through continuing education, and collaborating with cyber experts on studies and protocols.

“Cybersecurity is a very broad territory, so we needed someone with https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 3/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association a diverse background,” said RB Sloan, SEDC’s president and CEO. “Jacek’s name kept coming to the forefront. He understands utilities. He understands networks and the importance of protecting the information infrastructure. With his background, he really brings a holistic approach to cybersecurity.”

As head of the Cyber Resilience Initiative, Szamrej will be working hand in hand with Elaine Johns, president/CEO of EnerVision. SEDC has contracted with EnerVision, an independent management and technical consulting firm, to facilitate and coordinate the development of the Cyber Resilience Initiative. As an expert in utility strategic planning and management consulting, Johns will partner with Szamrej in his efforts to build and grow a cybersecurity platform that will meet the needs of SEDC’s utility customers.

Both Johns and Szamrej understand the everchanging panorama of cyber threats. Together, they see an urgency for both education and implementation of protocols in order to safeguard the information and infrastructure maintained by utility providers. “The Cyber Resilience Initiative will provide a suite of products and services to help utilities implement policies, procedures, and best practices,” said Johns. “It will grow and evolve just as cyber threats grow and evolve.”

Szamrej agreed. “This is a great time for collaboration between co ops, between utilities, between organizations,” he said. “The bad guys – they collaborate. We need to collaborate, too.”

For nearly four decades, SEDC has been a leader in the development of innovative utility software solutions. We’re committed to providing

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 4/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association our users with CIS/billing, accounting, engineering, and operations applications configured to meet their needs. For more information, visit www.sedata.com.

Potelco names Mark Swanson as executive vice president

On February 1, 2016, Mark Swanson began serving as executive vice president of Potelco, overseeing all field operations. Swanson will provide direction and leadership with a goal of excellence in safety, quality, and service to our customers. He has been with Potelco since 2006, assuming the role of vice president in Mark Swanson 2011 where he has overseen growth in a number of our key markets throughout the Western United States. Prior to coming to Potelco, Swanson served as vice president with a telecommunications company specializing in crosscountry fiberoptic cable.

“Mark has vast knowledge and experience in utility operations making him the obvious choice to lead field operations at Potelco,” said Potelco CEO Gary Tucci.

Swanson can be reached at [email protected].

For nearly 50 years, the team at Potelco has been providing engineering and design along with construction and maintenance services to customers throughout the United States. Their services

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 5/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association include transmission and distribution power lines; specialized civil construction; fiberoptic systems; as well as aerial and underground telecommunications. For more information, visit www.potelco.net.

E Source and SEPA partner on residential solar rate design and communications initiative

E Source and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) have joined forces to create a new utility working group. The initiative focuses on sharing best practices in solar rate design and fostering dialogue between utilities and their residential customers regarding the rate design process.

“We’re excited to partner with SEPA to offer this working group as a component of the 2016 E Source Solar Customer Project,” said Wayne Greenberg, CEO of E Source. “Both organizations have clearly heard from utilities that they need help with the many nuanced elements of engaging residential customers in a proactive and positive way on solar. This working group will provide our utility members with the research, insights, and tactical resources they need to successfully tackle an important challenge: managing the interplay between retail rates and rooftop solar as well as understanding how best to engage with customers to ensure mutually acceptable outcomes.”

“We have seen across the country how the conversations surrounding solar customers and utility rates have often been divisive and counterproductive,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “This initiative is not aimed at promoting any one approach or policy https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 6/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association solution to these issues. Rather, we are focused on bridging the communications gap between utilities and their residential customers and increasing understanding on both sides.”

The working group, which is open to U.S. and Canadian utilities, will run from April to the fourth quarter of 2016. Access to the group is included with membership in the E Source Solar Customer Project, or it can be purchased separately for a fee. The group’s first inperson meeting will be held in conjunction with SEPA’s Utility Solar Conference on April 11 in Denver, the second meeting will be held in the fall, and virtual meetings will be held in the intervening months.

“What SEPA brings to the table is our extensive experience as a trusted advisor helping utilities design solar programs and, in particular, building collaborative frameworks for stakeholder engagement,” said Hamm. “Our research and work in the field have underlined the critical relationship between customer communication and rate design for integrating solar in utilities’ power mix, on both sides of the meter.”

For more information on the working group, contact Alanya Schofield, E Source director of Strategy & New Products, at [email protected] or (303) 3459156.

SEPA is an educational nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to enabling the transition to a clean energy economy by facilitating utility integration and deployment of solar, distributed energy resources, and supporting technologies onto the grid. SEPA is the founder and coorganizer of Solar Power International, the

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 7/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association nation’s largest solar energy conference and trade show. SEPA provides a range of reports, educational events, networking opportunities, and advisory consulting services to its members. For more information, visit http://www.solarelectricpower.org/.

Aclara Meters selected by Consolidated Edison, Inc.

On February 11, Aclara Meters announced that it has been awarded a contract by Consolidated Edison Company of NY, Inc. and Orange and Rockland (O&R) Utilities, Inc., both regulated operating companies of Consolidated Edison, Inc. to supply electric smart meters for an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project covering New York City and Westchester County, and Orange and Rockland counties.

Pending regulatory approval by the New York Public Service Commission, Aclara Meters will provide electric smart meters that will connect 3.9 million customers to the new AMI system. These meters feature leadingedge technology that will enable Con Edison and O&R to optimize voltage levels, reduce manual meterreading, reduce energy consumption, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Importantly, the electric smart meters benefit customers by enhancing network reliability and enabling the utilities’ outage management systems to automatically detect problems and determine the scope and location of outages to speed restoration of service.

Awarding of the contract comes approximately two months after the acquisition of Aclara Meters, GE Energy Management’s Grid Solutions https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 8/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association electricity meters business, by Aclara Technologies LLC, a worldclass supplier of smart infrastructure technologies to electric, water, and gas utilities globally.

“We are proud that Aclara Meters has been selected by one of the largest and leading utilities in the United States to provide advanced metering technology to one of the largest systems in the country. Aclara Meters is known for its leadingedge meters and its team has worked tirelessly to secure this contract,” said Ed Myszka, senior vice president – meters, of Aclara.

Aclara is a worldclass supplier of smart infrastructure technologies to water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Over 700 utilities in nine countries rely on proven Aclara solutions to connect with their customers. Aclara Technologies LLC is owned by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners. Visit us at Aclara.com and follow us on Twitter @AclaraSolutions.

Evluma OmniMaxTM LED lamp changes the look of LED

Breaking with the corn cob industry form for decorative lighting retrofits, LED lighting manufacturer Evluma is poised to release the OmniMax, an omnidirectional LED retrofit that realistically emulates the size and light center of legacy HID bulbs, effectively capturing OEM refractive optics. The OmniMax will be offered in 40w or 70w; E26 or E39 configurations; and several color temperatures ranging from 2K (amber) to 5K (bright white) to match historic or contemporary lighting specifications. Ideal for streetscapes, plazas,

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 9/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association waterfronts, pathways, or parks, the OmniMax has an anticipated Q2 2016 release date.

Compact, custom electronics matched with a novel, highpower light engine make the selfballasted OmniMax similar in size to an HID bulb and dramatically smaller than corn cobs of comparable wattage. “Many corn cob products won’t fit into decorative luminaires without modification,” said Don Vendetti, VP of Engineering at Evluma.

The Evlumadesigned light engine is comprised of 96 LEDs mounted in a radial arrangement on a flexible substrate adhered to a centralized, circular heatsink.

A revolutionary, moldedsilicone, matte finish lens wraps around the OmniMax light engine to create a pleasing, diffuse source inside decorative fixtures. “The radial center design with diffuse optics eliminates the long vertical dots often seen when viewing corn cob retrofits and more closely resembles the original HID bulb,” said Vendetti. “But that’s Evluma LED where the similarity to HID ends.”

The OmniMax includes AreaMaxproven, propriety driver technology, 20kV/10kA surge protection, and Evluma’s signature Photocontrol FailsafeTM. Evluma’s flagship luminaire, the AreaMax, with over 100,000 units shipped, has rapidly become the utility standard in LED outdoor street and area lighting. Like the AreaMax, the OmniMax

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 10/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association works with ConnectLEDTM, a Bluetooth application that allows the owner to control, dim, and query the OmniMax remotely, reducing the need to retrofit older fixtures to work with enterprise lighting control systems.

Dimmable decorative LED lighting retrofits like the OmniMax, present new opportunities for energy savings based on periods of low area occupancy and use. Holiday dimming schedules can coordinate with temporary lighting installations to enhance ambient conditions and save energy.

Formed in 2008, Evluma is committed to developing affordable, long lasting, and environmentally lowimpact LED lighting solutions that fundamentally change the landscape of the outdoor utility lighting market. Evluma’s high standard of customer service and background in innovative lighting technologies, automation, and software design creatively ideate and inform its Made in Washington products. For more information, visit http://www.evluma.com/.

Oregon-based Ruralite Wins National Co-op Award

Hillsboro, OR — February 16, 2016 — Managing Editor Curtis Condon and his staff at (L-R) NRECA President Mel Coleman; Ruralite Ruralite magazine, based in Managing Editor Curtis Condon, CCC; and NRECA Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor. Hillsboro, Ore., won the 2015 https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 11/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association George W. Haggard Memorial Journalism award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The award was presented at NRECA’s annual meeting in New Orleans on February 14.

“I’m honored and proud to accept [the Haggard award] on behalf of the Ruralite staff and Oregon statewide Executive Director Ted Case. This wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Curtis. “Content mix was the key to this year’s win. The Haggard judges have always put an emphasis on balance. They want to see just the right blend of industryrelated content and generalinterest features.

“Ted Case deserves a share of the credit for this year’s Haggard Award. Our entry included copies of his ORECA (Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association) edition as examples of Ruralite magazine. In fact, we used his edition exclusively. His eight monthly pages of commentaries, legislative updates and other statewide content and Ruralite’s popular features combined to produce the awardwinning outcome,” he explained.

Ruralite is a publication of Ruralite Services, which reaches more than 320,000 homes monthly through 47 zoned editions covering Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California and Montana. Statewide and regional publications across the nation competed for the award. Judges praised the magazine’s readability and the caliber of the writing.

Said one judge, the “quality of articles and effective distribution of articles on electric cooperatives establishes the publication as an advocate for their interests as well as the interests of consumers and

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 12/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association members.”

More than one judge praised the mix of articles, which balanced statewide coop topics and more general topics of interest to readers in Oregon and in the western region of the country.

The Haggard Award annually recognizes the electric coop publication demonstrating the most forthright, concise and balanced presentation of ideas advancing the objectives of electric cooperatives and their members.

The award honors George W. Haggard, a former statewide editor, statewide manager and federal Rural Electrification Administration official who was killed in a plane crash in 1951. He championed the creation of electric cooperative statewide consumer publications.

Today, 32 electric coop statewide publications consistently rank among the most widely read in the United States, each month reaching more than 12 million households served by cooperatives based in 38 states.

The NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, notforprofit, consumerowned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

Ruralite magazine focuses on activities and issues affecting readers in the West. Monthly features highlight regional places and personalities, food and outdoor activities and articles focus on electrical safety, energy efficiency and the power industry. https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 13/14 2/22/2016 Associate Member Announcements | Northwest Public Power Association The success of the magazine hinges on cooperation between Ruralite editors and utility communicators. Member utilities tailor eight pages of local content throughout each monthly issue, providing the distinctive flavor for each edition of Ruralite. The magazine is published by Ruralite Services, a communications cooperative founded in 1954 by utility leaders who pooled resources for effective communication tools.

About Ruralite Services Ruralite Services makes communications simple for members. Ruralite Services publishes magazines, helps spread news and provides an array of communication and marketing services to members, helping them from planning to the completion and delivery of products.

In addition to many marketing services, magazine publications and website support Ruralite Services offers energy efficiency and conservation services through a subsidiary, Efficiency Services Group and utility parts distribution and advanced technical services through General Pacific.

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https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/associatemember/ 14/14 2/22/2016 Calendar of Events | Northwest Public Power Association

Calendar of Events

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2016 Upcoming Industry Meetings

Send your 2016 meeting dates and locations to Debbie at [email protected].

February 2016

14-17 – NRECA Annual Meeting & EXPO, New Orleans, LA

24-25 – APA Legislative Conference, Juneau, AK

March 2016

3 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

7-9 – APPA Legislative Rally, Washington, D.C.

April 2016

7 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

May 2016

1-4 – NRECA Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C.

5 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

June 2016

2 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/eventscalendar/ 1/3 2/22/2016 Calendar of Events | Northwest Public Power Association

7-9 – APA Federal Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C.

10-15 – APPA National Conference & Public Power EXPO, Phoenix, AZ

14-15 – WRECA Annual Meeting, Red Lion Hotel Richland Hanford House, Richland, WA

July 2016

7 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

12-14 – ORECA Mid-Year Meeting, Seven Feathers Casino Resort, OR

August 2016

4 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

September 2016

1 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

19-20 – National Hydropower Association Alaska Meeting, Cordova, AK

21-23 – APA Annual Membership Meeting, Cordova, AK

October 2016

4-6 – Regions 7 & 9 Meeting, Reno, NV

6 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

November 2016

3 – PPC Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

29-Dec. 1 – ORECA Annual Meeting, Location TBA, OR

December 2016

8 – PPC Annual Meeting, Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR – 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/eventscalendar/ 2/3 2/22/2016 Calendar of Events | Northwest Public Power Association

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/eventscalendar/ 3/3 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

Submit an RFP or RFQ

NWPPA offers its members the opportunity to post RFPs and RFQs on our website at no charge. For more information or questions, contact Debbie K. at [email protected] or complete the form below.

 Submit an RFP/RFQ for publication on NWPPA.ORG

CURRENT RFPs/RFQs

RP15-0657F: Rate Design and Cost of Service Analysis Consultant

Offered by: City of Tacoma

Response deadline: February 30, 2016

Must be received by 11:00 a.m.

Posted on: February 9, 2016

CITY OF TACOMA

NOTICE OF CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY

The City of Tacoma informs you that a new contracting opportunity has been issued for the following solicitation:

Request for Proposals

Rate Design and Cost of Service Analysis Consultant

Specification No. RP15-0657F

Submittal Deadline: 03/01/16 11:00 AM, Pacific Time

https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 1/6 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

To view and download an electronic copy of the Specification, visit the City of Tacoma Purchasing website at www.TacomaPurchasing.org and click on “Contracting Opportunities” and then “Services Solicitations” and navigate to referenced specification.

The Questions and Answers are being distributed via the website only.

Notice of Request for Proposals for Design, Construction and Commissioning of a New Substation

Offered by: Northern Wasco County People's Utility District

Response deadline: March 7, 2016

5 p.m.

Posted on: February 8, 2016

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING OF A NEW SUBSTATION

Issued: February 8, 2016

Response Deadline: 5 P.M. Pacific Time on March 7, 2016

SUMMARY

Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (“NWCPUD”) seeks to engage an engineering consultant to design, procure materials for, construct and commission a new substation in the North Industrial Area of its service area (“NIA Substation” and also referred to herein as the “Project”). The term “Services” refers to any Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning or Land Surveying Services or Related Services necessary to complete the Project. This document describes the Project, process and content for responses to this Request for Proposals (“RFP”).

The Services may include, but will not necessarily be limited to:

Site assessments and permitting Providing procurement specifications, bid documents, evaluation and recommendation for the power transformers Design of all aspects of the substation https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 2/6 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

Procurement of substation components Construction management Project Commissioning

The approximate configuration of the Project is as follows:

2 x 20/27/33 MVA step-down power transformers 115 kV primary fed from Chenoweth-Harvey circuits #1 and #2 115 kV primary main-tie-main bus configuration 5 kV secondary with LTC tap range to reach 13.8 kV. 8 to 10 feeder positions with reclosing breakers and getaways to UG vaults. All air insulated switchgear. Substation metering, relays and instrumentation compatible and interoperable with existing PUD equipment

Due to the large quantity and complexity of the planned work, NWCPUD considers it necessary to use the services of an outside engineering consultant to provide design, procurement and construction management services for the identified work. Minimum requirements of Consultant’s resources and detailed description of required services are included in the RFP documents.

The ideal timeframe for the Permitting, Design, Procurement and Construction of the Project is from April 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. However, proposals may include project schedules that include construction activities in 2017.

NWCPUD is still evaluating the estimated cost to Permit, Design and Construct the Project. Preliminary estimates based on recent industry benchmark costs indicate a total cost between 4 and 5 million dollars. This estimate is highly preliminary.

Consultants must submit a notice of intent to respond and initial questions regarding this RFP no later than 12:00 p.m. (PST) February 22, 2016, via email to [email protected]. Additional questions must be received three (3) working days prior to proposal due date.

Selection of the Consultant will be conducted pursuant to OAR 137-048-0220 Formal Section Procedure

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND COPIES OF THE COMPLETE RFP CONTACT:

[email protected] www.nwasco.com https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 3/6 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

RFP for Construction of the Haakenson Substation Project

Offered by: Elmhurst Mutual Power & Light Company

Response deadline: March 8, 2016

2:00 p.m.

Posted on: February 3, 2016

Elmhurst Mutual Power & Light Company (Elmhurst) is issuing an "Invitation to Bid" for the purpose of soliciting sealed proposals for the construction of the Haakenson Substation Project. Sealed proposals will be received by Elmhurst on or before Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 2:00 P.M., at the offices of Elmhurst at 120 132nd Street South, Tacoma, WA 98444.

The Project consists of the labor material and equipment to re-construct the 115 -13.2 kV, 16.8/22.4/28 MVA, Haakenson Substation. The Plans, Specifications and Construction Drawings, together with all necessary forms may be obtained via email from Elmhurst.

Parties interested in bidding shall contact Elmhurst at the above address or by e-mail at [email protected]. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Elmhurst’s office located at 120 132nd Street South, Tacoma, WA 98444. Only bids from those attending the pre-bid meeting will be considered.

Skamania PUD No. 1 RSQ for Engineering Services

Offered by: Skamania PUD No. 1

Response deadline: March 31, 2016

Posted on: February 3, 2016

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOLICITATION Request For Statement of Qualification (RSQ) Skamania PUD No. 1 RSQ for Engineering Services

Skamania PUD No. 1 is inviting statements of qualifications and performance information from firms interested in providing professional engineering services for calendar years 2016 and 2017 in conjunction with PUD sponsored projects for the electric system and two water systems.

For the electric system engineering services are needed for substation and distribution system design, distribution system model development and engineering studies, project management and commissioning of substation construction, and analysis and design for interconnection of small https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 4/6 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

(<5MW) generation.

For the Carson and Underwood water systems engineering services for water reservoir site acquisition, design and construction project management, water resource development, water system infrastructure condition assessment studies, water system development feasibility studies and miscellaneous water distribution and transmission equipment replacement and upgrade design and construction project management.

Qualification and performance statements will be reviewed and placed on file for the 2016-2017 calendar years; they will be used as the source from which to select one or more qualified firms from whom a detailed proposal will be requested for any specific project.

Please direct responses to Brent Bischoff, General Manager, Skamania PUD No. 1, PO Box 500, Carson WA 98610 or by email [email protected]. Questions regarding the solicitation can be asked by email or telephone at (509) 427-5126. Response of interested firms is requested no later than March 31, 2016.

Contract No. 16039 Swan Lake Reservoir Expansion Construction Project

Offered by: Southeast Alaska Power Agency

Response deadline: February 30, 2016

Must be received by 4:00 pm AKST

Posted on: February 3, 2016

The Southeast Alaska Power Agency (SEAPA) is seeking bids from qualified firms for its Swan Lake Reservoir Expansion Construction Project to:

Obtain and place structural steel components ו Form and place reinforced concrete ו Perform both demolition and re-construction of spillway concrete ו Install Owner furnished flash-boards and vertical gate ו Perform modifications to Intake Building concrete ו Remove existing intake components ו Replace both existing and new Owner furnished equipment in the Intake Gate Building ו

This project is located at SEAPA's Swan Lake Hydro-electric Project located near Ketchikan, Alaska. The successful bidder must comply with Alaska's Little Davis-Bacon Act, Employment Preference Act, and Alaska Products Preferences. https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 5/6 2/22/2016 Submit an RFP or RFQ | Northwest Public Power Association

A mandatory site visit at Bidder's expense is required.

Bids must be received by March 1, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. AKST.

A copy of the proposal documents may be downloaded from SEAPA’s website at: http://www.seapahydro.org/rfp.php or call Sharon Thompson at 907.228.2281 for a copy of the bid documents.

https://www.nwppa.org/rfprfq/ 6/6 2/22/2016 Jobs | Northwest Public Power Association

Jobs

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Recent job openings within the industry in the last week:

Accountant/Senior Accountant – Columbia River PUD

Training Lead – Northwest Lineman College

Campus Director – Northwest Lineman College

Field Engineering Technician – Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc.

General Manager – Harney Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Content Creator – Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Director of Education and Training – Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA)

Financial Analyst – Umatilla Electric Cooperative https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/jobs/ 1/2 2/22/2016 Jobs | Northwest Public Power Association Full-Time Training Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator – Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA)

Generation Project Developer II – Energy Northwest

Journeyman Lineman (U16-016) – Portland General Electric

Senior Electrical Engineer – Matanuska Electric Association

Specialist III/IV, CSQA Test Specialist (R16-058) – Portland General Electric

Specialist III/IV, Rates & Tariff Specialist (R16-057) – Portland General Electric

Treasury Analyst III / IV – Energy Northwest

 View all available jobs

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https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/jobs/ 2/2 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association

This Day In History

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Silver dollars made legal

February 16, 1878

Strongly supported by western mining interests and farmers, the BlandAllison Act—which provided for a return to the minting of silver coins—becomes the law of the land.

The strife and controversy surrounding the coinage of silver is difficult for most modern Americans to understand, but in the late 19th century it was a topic of keen political and economic interest. Today, the value of American money is essentially secured by faith in the stability of the government, but during the 19th century, money was generally backed by actual deposits of silver and gold, the socalled “bimetallic standard.” The U.S. also minted both gold and silver coins.

In 1873, Congress decided to follow the lead of many European nations and cease buying silver and minting silver coins, because silver was relatively scarce and to simplify the monetary system. Exacerbated by a variety of other factors, this led to a financial panic.

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 1/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association When the government stopped buying silver, prices naturally dropped, and many owners of primarily western silver mines were hurt. Likewise, farmers and others who carried substantial debt loads attacked the socalled “Crime of ’73.” They believed, somewhat simplistically, that it caused a tighter supply of money, which in turn made it more difficult for them to pay off their debts.

A nationwide drive to return to the bimetallic standard gripped the nation, and many Americans came to place a near mystical faith in the ability of silver to solve their economic difficulties. The leader of the fight to remonetize silver was the Missouri Congressman Richard Bland. Having worked in mining and having witnessed the struggles of small farmers, Bland became a fervent believer in the silver cause, earning him the nickname “Silver Dick.”

With the backing of powerful western mining interests, Bland secured passage of the BlandAllison Act, which became law on this day in 1878. Although the act did not provide for a return to the old policy of unlimited silver coinage, it did require the U.S. Treasury to resume purchasing silver and minting silver dollars as legal tender. Americans could once again use silver coins as legal tender, and this helped some struggling western mining operations. However, the act had little economic impact, and it failed to satisfy the more radical desires and dreams of the silver backers. The battle over the use of silver and gold continued to occupy Americans well into the 20th century.

Archaeologist opens tomb of King Tut

February 16, 1923 https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 2/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association

On this day in 1923, in Thebes, Egypt, English archaeologist Howard Carter enters the sealed burial chamber of the ancient Egyptian ruler King Tutankhamen.

Because the ancient Egyptians saw their pharaohs as gods, they carefully preserved their bodies after death, burying them in elaborate tombs containing rich treasures to accompany the rulers into the afterlife. In the 19th century, archeologists from all over the world flocked to Egypt, where they uncovered a number of these tombs. Many had long ago been broken into by robbers and stripped of their riches.

When Carter arrived in Egypt in 1891, he became convinced there was at least one undiscovered tomb–that of the little known Tutankhamen, or King Tut, who lived around 1400 B.C. and died when he was still a teenager. Backed by a rich Brit, Lord Carnarvon, Carter searched for five years without success. In early 1922, Lord Carnarvon wanted to call off the search, but Carter convinced him to hold on one more year.

In November 1922, the wait paid off, when Carter’s team found steps hidden in the debris near the entrance of another tomb. The steps led to an ancient sealed doorway bearing the name Tutankhamen. When Carter and Lord Carnarvon entered the tomb’s interior chambers on November 26, they were thrilled to find it virtually intact, with its treasures untouched after more than 3,000 years. The men began exploring the four rooms of the tomb, and on February 16, 1923, under the watchful eyes of a number of important officials, Carter

https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 3/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association opened the door to the last chamber.

Inside lay a sarcophagus with three coffins nested inside one another. The last coffin, made of solid gold, contained the mummified body of King Tut. Among the riches found in the tomb–golden shrines, jewelry, statues, a chariot, weapons, clothing–the perfectly preserved mummy was the most valuable, as it was the first one ever to be discovered. Despite rumors that a curse would befall anyone who disturbed the tomb, its treasures were carefully catalogued, removed and included in a famous traveling exhibition called the “Treasures of Tutankhamen.” The exhibition’s permanent home is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Bill Johnson becomes first American to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing

February 16, 1984

On February 16, 1984, Bill Johnson becomes the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal in downhill skiing, a sport long dominated by European athletes. Johnson quickly became a national hero, though his fame was shortlived, and he never again competed in the Olympics.

William Dean Johnson was born March 30, 1960, and grew up in a workingclass family in Oregon. He was frequently in trouble as a child and was once was arrested for stealing a car. In January 1984, the littleknown Johnson, then 23, became the first American man to win a World Cup downhill race, at Wengen, Switzerland, and he boldly https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 4/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association predicted he would take home a gold medal the following month at the Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia.

To the amazement of the skiing world, the prediction came true on February 16, 1984, when he finished the men’s downhill with a time 1:45:59 and beat Switzerland’s Peter Muller, a favorite to win the race, by .27 seconds. Johnson won two more World Cup races that season. However, his newfound fame seemed to go to his head and his brash, cocky personality alienated many in the ski community. Additionally, Johnson lived a lavish, hardpartying lifestyle and stopped winning races. In 1988, he was left off the U.S. ski team for the Olympic Games in Calgary.

At age 40, Johnson attempted to stage a comeback and qualify for the U.S. ski team for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. However, in March 2001, he suffered a devastating crash at the U.S. Alpine Championships at Big Mountain Resort near Whitefish, Montana. The crash put him in a coma for several weeks and left him with brain damage.

Jeff Gordon becomes youngest Daytona winner

February 16, 1997

On February 16, 1997, 25yearold Jeff Gordon claims his first Daytona 500 victory, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the 200lap, 500mile National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) event, dubbed the “Super Bowl of stock car racing.” Driving his No. 24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Hendrick Motorsports https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 5/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association racing team, Gordon recorded an average speed of 148.295 mph and took home prize money of more than $377,000. According to NASCAR.com, Gordon was “a veritable babe in a field that included 27 drivers older than 35, 16 at least 40.” Gordon’s Hendrick teammates Terry Labonte and Ricky Craven finished the race second and third, respectively.

Gordon was born August 4, 1971, in Vallejo, California, and became involved in racing as a child. In 1993, he competed in his first full season of Winston Cup series (now known as the Sprint Cup), NASCAR’s top racing series, and was named Rookie of the Year. He went on to win the Winston series championship in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001. Following his first victory at the Daytona 500 in 1997, Gordon won the prestigious race, which serves as the NASCAR seasonopener, again in 1999 and 2005.

At the other end of the Daytona age spectrum from Gordon is 50 yearold Bobby Allison, who on February 14, 1988, became the oldest driver to win the Daytona 500. He had an average speed of 137.531 mph and collected over $202,000 in prize money. Allison’s son Davey came in second place in that race. Bobby Allison, who was born on December 3, 1937, in Florida, drove in his first Daytona 500 in 1961 and went on to win the race in 1978 and 1982, in addition to his 1988 victory.

The firstever Daytona 500 was held on February 22, 1959, at the then brandnew Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. A crowd of more than 40,000 was on hand to witness the 59 cars that started the event. Lee Petty narrowly defeated Johnny https://www.nwppa.org/ebulletin/thisdayinhistory/ 6/7 2/22/2016 This Day In History | Northwest Public Power Association Beauchamp to win the race with an average speed of 135.521 mph. He collected prize money of some $19,000. By comparison, Matt Kenseth won the 2009 Daytona 500 with an average speed of 132.816 mph, and took home prize money of more than $1.5 million.

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