the film forum library tutorial contact

PUD, BPA Celebrate 20-year Contract by Jeff Clemens Chinook Observer, November 9, 2025

Officials from Pacific County PUD and Bonneville Power Administration were present at a commission meeting on Nov. 4 to celebrate a momentous occasion. After lengthy negotiations the two sides reached a deal on a 20-year contract that kicks off in 2028.

BPA began the process with utility districts back in September 2024 with the goal of hammering down long-term contracts.

"Provider of Choice is BPA's regional effort to engage these customers and interested parties in a policy and contract-development process to gain an understanding of electric power needs and perspectives," BPA stated. "This process establishes the long-term power sales policy and contracts that will follow the current Regional Dialogue contracts that expire in September 2028."

PUD Commissioners Michelle Layman, Pam Hickey and Debbie Oakes were presented for the meeting along with Manager Marc Wilson, and incoming Director Chris Forest. Multiple members of the utility company were also present to celebrate the occasion.

BPA officials -- Scott Wilson, senior account executive, Lindsay Bleifuss, west-hub account executive, Susan Cooper, deputy administrator and chief operating officer, and Rachel Dibble, vice-president -- were all present for the contract signing.

"We are deeply honored to continue our longstanding partnership with BPA in an alliance that has delivered affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible power to the people of Pacific County for more than eight-decades," Layman said.

According to Hickey, half of working families in Pacific County struggle to afford basic needs and its agreements like the Provider of Choice that will help, at least to some extent, balance the financial burden.

"BPA's commitment to cost-based rates directly supports the economic security for households who suffer with Provider Choice agreements; the benefits of the federal power system will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers today, and for generations to come," Hickey said.

"This agreement guarantees continued access to the strength and diversity of BPA's power supply portfolio including the renewable hydropower of the federal Columbia River power system," Oakes added.

"This agreement matters to us and we are profoundly grateful to this partnership," Humaira Falkenberg, PUD's power resource manager, said.

Each of the officials from BPA opted to give short remarks, and credited PUD's willingness to meet at the table to reach an agreement.

"Today we will celebrate more than a signature on paper, we are celebrating a shared commitment to reliable, affordable power for this community," Cooper said.