Sixth Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Plan

The Council's Sixth Power Plan is scheduled for a draft release in May 2009 and a final release in August 2009.

Background

The Northwest Power Act authorized the creation of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to develop a plan at least every five years to meet the electricity needs of the region at the lowest cost.  The plan is required “to assure the Pacific Northwest of an adequate, efficient, economical, and reliable power supply.”  The Act is clear that efficiency improvements are a resource like any generating resource, and it directs the Council to consider not only the financial costs, but the environmental costs of different resources.

The Council’s energy plan strives to guide the region toward a low-cost, sustainable, electricity future. Because the future is uncertain, the plan includes strategies and action items to address possible future risks.  The Council seeks broad participation from the region in developing the plan through Council meetings, scientific advisory committees, consultations, public comment on issues and assumptions, and hearings on the draft plan.

Visit this page for the latest developments on the major components of the plan, including: demand forecasts, fuel price assumptions, generating resources, efficiency opportunities, and analysis of the cost and risk of alternative strategies.

To view the current plan, see the Council's Fifth Northwest Power Plan.