Mid-Columbia PUDs settle Columbia River Treaty dispute, agree to $29.9M payment

The briefing

Chelan, Douglas, and Grant public utility districts will collectively pay $29.9 million to settle a U.S. government dispute regarding Columbia River Treaty obligations. The utilities agreed to pay a combined 25% of the Canadian Entitlement through 2044, replacing past hydropower benefit sharing. The settlement averts a January 2027 trial, with officials noting ratepayers are not expected to be affected.