Chelan PUD earns national award for long-term planning

WENATCHEE — Chelan PUD has received the American Public Power Association's Scattergood System Achievement Award, a national honor recognizing the utility's long-term planning, innovation and commitment to community service.

Named for Ezra F. Scattergood, the founder of Los Angeles' municipal power system, the award recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate sustained achievement in customer service and forward-looking leadership. Chelan PUD was among the award's first recipients in 1959 and was recognized again this year for initiatives designed to prepare the utility and the community for the decades ahead.

According to the utility, the award submission highlighted Vision 2075, Chelan PUD's 50-year planning initiative, along with efforts to explore emerging clean energy technologies, strengthen workforce development and expand long-range strategic planning.

Over the past two years, Vision 2075 has brought together employees, commissioners, community leaders and customer-owners to examine future energy and water needs, maintain local control, strengthen regional partnerships and identify ways to keep rates stable while investing in resilient infrastructure. The process helped shape the utility's updated strategic plan, mission, vision and board priorities.

Chelan PUD also pointed to its work exploring technologies such as fusion and geothermal energy while continuing to build on its hydropower system. The utility's Advanced Energy Management Program, which partners with Wenatchee High School students to identify energy-saving opportunities in schools and public buildings, was also cited as part of the award-winning effort.

"Like the leaders who came before us and had the courage to build the foundation we enjoy today, we face a new generation of opportunities and challenges," Board President Kelly Allen said. "This recognition reminds us that our responsibility is to think beyond today's needs, make bold decisions rooted in sound stewardship, and ensure future generations inherit a utility that is reliable, affordable, resilient, and prepared for whatever lies ahead."

The American Public Power Association represents more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities serving communities across the United States.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media