Residents urge Chelan PUD to expand solar investment

WENATCHEE — More than 100 Chelan County residents are urging Chelan County PUD to make solar energy a larger part of its long-term power strategy, presenting commissioners July 20 with a petition and 118 signatures supporting expanded investment in solar alternatives.

Representing the Interfaith Climate Group, retired doctor James Ethier of Sunnyslope told commissioners the utility should diversify its future energy portfolio as demand for electricity continues to grow from electric vehicles, data centers and residential, commercial and industrial development.

"We should be hedging our bets on our future power needs by having a diverse group of power resources, including solar," Ethier said.

The petition encourages the customer-owned utility to consider a range of solar initiatives, including customer rebates, community solar projects, utility-scale solar farms, rooftop installations and battery storage. Ethier noted that Chelan PUD's Vision 2075 guidebook identifies solar as part of the utility's long-term future and urged commissioners to begin moving in that direction now.

The request comes as Chelan PUD is already examining how to meet growing demand for electricity beyond its traditional hydropower resources. Through its Vision 2075 initiative and long-range planning efforts, the utility has acknowledged the need to evaluate a broader mix of energy resources while maintaining hydropower as the foundation of its system.

Longtime Valley resident and retired teacher Merry Roy echoed the group's message, highlighting declining solar costs and advances in battery storage while describing a variety of places where solar installations could be incorporated, including rooftops, parking structures and agricultural land.

Roy also thanked the district for its work on energy efficiency and long-range planning, calling its efforts to prepare for the future "a real important thing" before encouraging commissioners to continue exploring solar opportunities.

Chelan PUD Board President Kelly Allen thanked the group for its comments and accepted the petition, telling the speakers that district staff would follow up.

"Somebody from our team will definitely be getting back to you," Allen said.

No action was taken on the request during Monday's meeting.

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