In response to Mr. Huppenthal’s letter about nuclear power in OPALCO’s fuel mix and, as I have explained to Mr. Huppenthal previously, OPALCO is contracted with BPA as a full-requirement utility in order to secure the lowest cost, most reliable power for our member owners. That means that BPA provides us with a mix of fuel sources (see www.opalco.com/power-information/fuel-mix/) from the federal system to supply our distribution needs. OPALCO has no choice in the fuel mix we receive; our fuel purchases are set through a federal contract with BPA until 2028.

If OPALCO members want to comment on the nuclear power in OPALCO’s fuel mix, they can contact the Bonneville Power Administration (www.bpa.gov/) or Energy Northwest (www.energy-northwest.com/) who operates the Columbia Generating Station where the nuclear power for the northwest is produced.

The OPALCO Board is already looking past our current contract with BPA to explore where to get our power next. Board meetings are open to the public and meeting times and places are published at www.opalco.com/about/board-of-directors/board-meetings/. Don’t forget to vote in the upcoming election (May 14). The OPALCO Board sets policy, rates and overall direction for the Co-op. As member-owners, your power is to elect the board.

The best thing that OPALCO members who care about energy can do is to become: more aware of their own energy usage, more energy efficient in their homes, practice more conservation at home and at work and sign up for MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy), OPALCO’s new green power program, to support local renewable energy produced right here in San Juan County. Learn more at www.opalco.com.

Suzanne Olson

Communication Specialist

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative