Cold temperatures and reduced water flow cause Okanogan PUD to purchase power on the market to meet the energy needs of the District.
Okanogan PUD saw its system peak at 189 MW on February 6th at 8:00 am. The peak was just short of the all-time peak of 193 MW in December 2008. The District saw temperatures of 18 for a high and -3 for a low. Normally, the District is able to meet its needs on an average basis. With the below average temperatures, coupled with the decreased water in the Columbia River System due to Bonneville’s reduced water year outlook and mandated environmental/fish related constraints imposed on them, the District was forced into the market to fill in the gaps. In addition to the power contracts currently in place, the District purchased approximately $1,000,000 in energy for the month of February to meet load.