The Last Mile Co-op
There
was an article in the June issue of The Info Bulletin
about Salem Electric's interest in being part of The Last Mile
Co-op. That article talked about the interest and reason for
member-owned electric utilities to develop wind power
generation. The cooperative is made up of more than 14
publicly owned utilities and electric co-ops in the Northwest.
It is beginning to examine the feasibility of developing
electric power generation from wind.
This article is an update of
information on wind power and on the progress of The Last Mile
Co-op.
The Last Mile Co-op board of
directors met in Portland on July 18 to formalize the
establishment of the co-op. Jim Johnson, Manager of Big Bend
Electric Co-op was elected President. He manages a co-op that
is located about halfway between the Tri-Cities area and
Spokane. It is also in one of several areas in Oregon and
Washington that preliminary research shows to have good wind
sites. A preliminary budget and updates to the bylaws were
agreed on. A search for a manager was authorized and the
selection committee formed. The committee has completed the
interviews and anticipates announcing the selection in the
near future. The Last Mile has purchased test equipment and
several wind test sites are currently established. The
information from each wind site is gathered for up to a year
to determine if the site has adequate wind for commercial use.
More wind test sites are currently being identified and
equipment placed.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
has announced intention to sign pre-development agreements for
seven wind projects. These projects would provide an
additional 830 megawatts of generating capability during
periods of adequate wind. This initiative would represent an
approximate 20-percent increase in the nation's wind power
capacity. BPA is positioning wind power as one of the new
solutions to its power problems. This is a big boost for
testing and development. However, even with this optimism
there are many questions yet to be answered. It is exciting to
be part of this innovative effort, the initial steps look
promising. Salem Electric will continue to monitor and
evaluate each step carefully. The long-term value to our
members will always be the determining factor in any
investment of time and money.
The Info Bulletin and Board Report
will bring new information to our members from time to time as
significant steps are proposed or achieved by The Last Mile
Co-op.
Jim Dyer
Director
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