Amid rising electricity demand in the Northwest, PNGC Power recently launched plans to build its first power plant, a nearly 600-megawatt capacity combined-cycle natural gas facility, and have it online by 2032.
“Electric cooperatives have a responsibility to plan ahead for their members,” said Jessica Matlock, CEO of the only Northwest generation and transmission co-op, which serves 25 distribution cooperatives across seven states. “This project is about serving Northwest communities with the reliable and affordable energy they will need in the years ahead.”
With member co-ops in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, PNGC emerged as Bonneville Power Administration’s largest customer in 2024. But the G&T notes the region’s load forecasts show increases of 1.2% to 1.6% or 16 to 22 MW each year as population and electrification grow, hydro conditions shift and other power plants retire.
As these dynamics play out, the new gas plant will not only “provide power when it is needed most but also help protect co-op members from rising market volatility and long-term cost pressure,” said Matlock. “The facility is expected to provide dependable, on-demand generation that can support reliability across the region.”
The Clackamas, Oregon-based G&T is partnering with Kindle Energy, an energy infrastructure development and asset management firm, to build the plant in the service territory of Rathdrum, Idaho-based Kootenai Electric Cooperative, a PNGC member with existing available transmission.
State-of-the-art technology will allow the plant to generate more electricity while using less fuel and water. It will also be designed to use a fuel blend of up to 50% hydrogen for added flexibility to meet potential resource or market changes.
“The partnership between PNGC Power and Kindle Energy represents a prudent, forward looking investment in the Northwest’s energy reliability and affordability,” said Dan Walsh, NRECA’s senior director of generation research and development.
“By advancing a highly efficient, low emission combined cycle facility with future hydrogen blending capability, the project directly addresses the region’s growing resource needs while supporting long term stability for cooperative consumer-members.”
Cathy Cash is a staff writer for NRECA.