The quick, coordinated efforts of Grant PUD crews, contractor GrayMar Environmental, and the state Department of Ecology played a critical role in effectively responding to the Dec. 3 release of 84 gallons of mineral oil from Grant PUD’s Priest Rapids Dam into the Columbia River.
One thing became clear during commissioners’ Dec. 9 public hearing to present and explain the utility's estimated need for a decade of electric rate increases – Grant PUD isn't the only one feeling the prolonged strain of high prices. The members of the public in attendance said they were feeling it, too.
EPHRATA -- Come share your thoughts Dec. 9, 2025, when Grant PUD commissioners host two public hearings. One hearing focuses on 2026 rate increases and a 10-year trajectory to cover projected inflation and production costs. The other hearing will set the utility’s state-mandated conservation targets.
Scroll down to follow incident updates... Crews place protective booms on the Columbia River near Vernita Bridge 12/3/2025 and 12/4/2025Priest Rapids Dam
Commissioners learned Tuesday that even with proposed annual rate increases recommended through 2035, Grant PUD’s electric rates are projected to remain below state and federal averages, which are also increasing.
Grant PUD Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Dec. 9 and open a 14-day comment period for customers to give their input on proposed rate increases for 2026.
Click here for videoIn 2025, Grant PUD’s Energy Services Department in partnership with 2nd Harvest continued to host mobile food banks twice a year to provide local families with meals across Grant County while providing Grant PUD’s energy saving resources and energy bill assistance programs Community First Outreach Since 2023, Energy Services’ Mobile Food Bank initiative has brought much needed assistance to households in local communities facing food insecurity and raises awareness of Grant PUD’s Income-Qualified programs. As part of our continuingClean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) outreach, the events are free and open to all. Making A Difference This year, The Mobile Food Bank made an impact in local communities. Local farmers and grocers donate fresh and nutritious groceries, including but not limited to milk, apples, pears, chicken, soups, bread, and vegetables. Ephrata - April 2025: 215 Families Served, 6,525 meals provided Warden – September 2025: 213 Families Served, 9,028 meals provided That’s 428 Families, and a total of 15,553 Meals served in just 2025! Looking back The initiative has distributed over 25,500+ meals to over 1,000+ Families in Grant County communities since Energy Services’ commencement of the program in 2023. The Events are staffed by 20-30 volunteers committed to making food distribution possible and welcoming to all attendees. Events are open in the mornings, while supplies last. Rooted in Grant PUD’s core value of service and powered by teamwork, the Mobile Food Bank events unite Grant PUD's employees and communities to nourish families and uplift Grant County together.
An analysis by Grant PUD staff shows that electric rates for all customers must increase annually over the next decade to cover rising costs and invest in additional sources of electricity to keep up with rapidly increasing demand.
[Ephrata, WA / Jacksonville, FL – October 16, 2025] – The Energy Authority (TEA) and Grant County Public Utility District (Grant PUD) are proud to announce a strategic partnership that will transform how Grant PUD navigates the rapidly evolving energy markets of the West. This collaboration will enhance Grant PUD’s ability to optimize resources, participate in emerging market opportunities, and ensure reliable, cost-effective service for its customers. Grant PUD joins over 80 existing utilities that partner with TEA for access to portfolio management, energy trading, and advanced analytical services.
Commissioners Tuesday hosted two public hearings to review the utility’s $706 million proposed budget for 2026, which highlights a strong financial foundation and a clear commitment to reliable service with a focus on keeping rates as low as possible for all customers at a time of rising costs and anticipated rate increases.
EPHRATA -- Fall is in the air — time for tailgate parties, team spirit and a thoughtful discussion about Grant PUD’s 2026 Proposed Budget.
NOTE: This meeting took place at the Hydro Office Building, near Wanapum Dam, where recording technology is being upgraded. This meeting was not recorded.
Grant PUD commissioners and leadership are committed to ensuring that our “core customers” – residential, ag, irrigation and small/medium-sized business – continue to receive the most favorable rates this utility can offer.
During a visit last week to Grant PUD's Priest Rapids Dam, State Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla) of the 16th Legislative District, engaged with Grant PUD Commission President Terry Pyle and the men and women of Grant PUD who keep the dam generating. They discussed infrastructure, transmission, environmental stewardship, and economic development opportunities. The dam plays a critical role in providing clean, renewable hydroelectric power to communities across Central Washington.
(Note: Links to commission audio should be live by end of day Friday, 9/12)Staff has proposed a 16-month power-sales “bridge” agreement that would change the way Grant PUD sells about one-third of its share of the generation from Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams and better positions the utility to serve its growing customer demand in a changing market.