Draft NW region power plan lays road map to meet soaring demand

The briefing

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council released its draft power plan calling for an 11,000-megawatt expansion of renewable energy capacity across four states in the Columbia River basin by 2032. The plan addresses rising electricity demand driven by transportation, data centers, and electrification alongside climate scenarios impacting hydropower. While not legally binding, the plan guides federal and private utilities in long-term infrastructure and resource planning.