Wasco Electric Cooperative Receives $1.4 Million Federal Grant for Grid Upgrades to Mitigate Wildfire Risks
The Dalles, Or. – Wasco Electric Cooperative has received $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance wildfire protection and resilience in the communities it serves by making critical upgrades to its electric system.
Wasco Electric Cooperative is a member of a consortium of 38 electric co-ops and other rural utilities selected to receive federal funding through the Wildfire Assessment and Resilience for Networks project, or “WARN.”
Wasco Electric Cooperative will use its funding to replace overhead distribution lines to underground in Wasco County, specifically in the Bear Springs area of the Mount Hood National Forest, adjacent to Highway 216 and Warm Springs Reservation. Mount Hood National Forest and Warms Springs Reservation is a pristine area for fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and a multitude of outdoor activities accessed by residents and enthusiasts from all over. Additionally, this area connects with a vast network of residential homes, Confederated Tribes land, as well as U.S. National Forest Services lands spanning many miles. The estimated cost of the project is $1.4 million.
"Transitioning our overhead power lines to underground within the Mount Hood National Forest is a step towards enhancing our reliability and resilience. In addition to doing a small part to help in wildfire mitigation, this project reflects our commitment to our members while ensuring safe and reliable power," said Paul Titus, Manager of Engineering.
Led by Holy Cross Energy in coordination with NRECA Research, WARN will provide more than $145 million in wildfire mitigation funding to co-ops across 16 states in the central and western United States to drive energy resilience in high-risk rural areas.
“Electric cooperatives are focused on leveraging innovative solutions to meet tomorrow’s energy needs,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “This infrastructure funding is an important step as electric co-ops work to harden systems against wildfires and enhance the reliability of the grid. These projects hold tremendous potential for local communities as their co-ops unlock new ways to use technology to help mitigate wildfires and keep the lights on.”
Working together, consortium members will share lessons learned and expertise and provide real-world data to create an advanced analysis tool to identify the likely impacts of utility-ignited wildfires on regional electricity supplies and local communities.
WARN funding comes from DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
About Wasco Electric Cooperative: Founded in 1940, Wasco Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy services throughout Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Jefferson, and Wheeler counties. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community, WEC supports our members with advanced technology, exceptional service, and a deep dedication to the communities we serve.