Portland, Oregon – October 4, 2024 – The Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC Power), the region's only operational generation and transmission cooperative, is proud to announce the addition of seven new cooperative members. Following its recent distinction as the largest preference power customer of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), PNGC Power is poised to expand its service territory and representation, heralding a new era of collaboration and opportunity.
The seven new cooperative members joining PNGC Power include:
- Benton REA, Prosser, WA
- Big Bend Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ritzville, WA
- Columbia REA, Walla Walla, WA
- Harney Electric Cooperative, Inc., Hines, OR
- Idaho County Light & Power, Grangeville, ID
- Missoula Electric Cooperative, Inc., Missoula, MT
- Wells Rural Electric Company, Wells, NV
With the addition of these seven new cooperative utilities, PNGC Power will provide power to over 430,000 meters, have over 57,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines, and represent over 10,000,000 MWh in annual sales (based on calendar year 2023). PNGC Power and its 25 member-owner cooperatives serve rural communities and tribes in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, as well as parts of Utah and Wyoming.
PNGC Power’s mission is to empower its members to meet the growing energy needs of their communities, including resource development. Creating partnerships across the region with like-minded cooperatives allows PNGC Power to use economies of scale to diversify the energy resources for all its members. This collaborative approach not only enhances reliability and sustainability but also promotes resilience in rural communities.
"We are excited to welcome these new cooperatives to the PNGC Power family," said Jessica Matlock, President and CEO of PNGC Power. "Collaboration is at the heart of our mission, and together, we can build a more secure and sustainable energy future for our member communities. We're shaping the future of energy in the Northwest, and we're thrilled to have these seven new partners join us."
“This is an extraordinary moment of growth for PNGC Power,” stated Bryan Case, CEO of Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative and Chair of the PNGC Power Board. “We find ourselves at the forefront of unprecedented opportunities and innovation. By uniting 25 cooperative members, we are able to effectively address the evolving energy needs of our rural communities across the region. Our collective strength as a cooperative voice in the Northwest is formidable, and we are committed to sustaining that power as we move confidently into the future.”
PNGC Power had recently become BPA’s largest preference power customer with the addition of Kootenai Electric Cooperative and Inland Power & Light in June 2024. This accomplishment highlights PNGC Power’s continued influence and leadership within the region’s energy landscape.
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