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Avangrid seeks yearlong extension for Badger Mountain project citing BPA transmission delays
Summary
Avangrid requested another 12‑month extension (through July 31, 2027) and a continued pause on Badger Mountain activity while evaluating alternative transmission strategies after Bonneville delayed Cross Cascades North construction into 2032; FSEC staff will post a 30‑day public comment period and consider the extension at the September meeting.
Siting specialist Joanne Snarski told the council that Avangrid requested a 12‑month extension on the Badger Mountain application review and a continued pause in project activity because Bonneville Power Administration has delayed construction timelines for the Cross Cascades North transmission reinforcement (BPA moved a construction date originally anticipated in 2028 to 2032). Avangrid’s letter asked the council to grant an extension that would keep the project active on the record through 07/31/2027 while the developer evaluates alternative transmission options.
Staff said they will post the extension request to the project website and open a 30‑day public comment period; staff proposed the council consider the matter at the September meeting. Avangrid’s representative Mark Eilers said the project remains subject to BPA’s transmission schedule and that the company is evaluating transmission alternatives in light of multiyear BPA delays.
Council members raised concerns about the regional implications of long transmission delays and the related difficulty for local communities and tribes in timing engagement and comment. Staff said that if the project resumes activity, FSEC will hold a new informational meeting and reopen the public record as required.
