Regional PUDs drill for potential energy source in response to brewing shortfall

The briefing

Chelan, Douglas and Grant PUDs are seeking permits to drill exploratory holes in search of geothermal energy as the Pacific Northwest faces projected power shortfalls. The utilities plan four exploratory holes by the end of 2027 using Enhanced Geothermal Systems, starting on a nearly 5,000-acre Chelan PUD property in Malaga, with each utility committing up to $7.34 million toward a $22 million exploration cost. Regional shortfalls are projected to grow to a nine-gigawatt deficit by 2030, roughly the size of Oregon's entire energy load.