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Council signs on to two-year WAPA pilot via MEAN allocation
Summary
Council approved a letter agreement to participate in a two-year Western Area Power Administration pilot related to the Mount Elbert pumped-storage project through the MEAN allocation; staff said there is no direct cost to the city and MEAN has already signed.
The Torrington City Council on July 1 approved a letter agreement to participate in a two-year pilot administered by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) related to Mount Elbert pumped-storage operations. The city participates through its membership in MEAN (Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska), which has already signed the letter agreement on behalf of its allocation.
City Clerk–Treasurer Lynette Strecker presented a WAPA letter the city received and said she consulted MEAN representatives. Staff described the pilot as a two-year trial to evaluate adjustments to pumped-storage operations at Mount Elbert (Colorado) and noted MEAN’s and WAPA’s interest in expanding or modifying hydropower generation practices. Strecker said MEAN advised there are no negative consequences for the city in signing the letter and that the pilot could potentially identify lower-cost wholesale hydroelectric power for participants.
Council discussion characterized the pilot as a low-risk, no-cost trial. One council member observed the pilot might identify lower wholesale power rates in the future; no direct incentives were offered for participation. The council approved the letter agreement and authorized the mayor to sign it.
