Since innovation plays such an important part in Grant PUD's mission and values, we wanted to give you a peek into just a few projects our team has been working on.

Grant PUD is currently testing the compatibility of EAL grease, or Environmentally Acceptable Lubrication. This biodegradable and non-toxic grease is a relatively new product in the hydro industry and is one of the many steps the district is taking to be on the forefront of advancement. Our engineers, including Joseph and Jennifer (pictured below), have been working with various dams in the area to find the best match for our machines. The team has seen positive results from the EAL grease they are currently testing at a pump for one of the Wanapum Dam fish ladders.
Advanced Metering Program: Grant PUD has installed advanced remote read meters throughout the county as part of its Advanced Metering Program. The remote meters have the following benefits for customers: 1. Reducing operating costs to help keep power rates low. 2. Fewer visits by Grant PUD employees to customers' property. 3. More information to help customers with conservation efforts. 4. Opportunities to improve outage responses.
Design Build: Grant PUD has responded our country’s growing need for electricity by becoming the first public utility in the state to use the “Progressive Design Build” procurement option to bundle multiple substation or other infrastructure projects together under a single contract with the same project designer and contractor. Russ, one of our first engineers to tackle Design Build, describes the process as fast and furious. Our first round produced eight much-needed new or rebuilt substations in just two years. And we’re now immersed in round two!
Drones: Grant PUD uses drones in innovative ways to improve system security and safety. Security Supervisor and certified drone pilot George has used the agile, camera-equipped devices to inspect spillway gates at the dams and other hard-to-access equipment. These are inspections that could otherwise place our employees in potentially precarious positions, atop tall ladders or perched on lifts. Keeping our customers, employees and equipment safe and secure is a top priority. It helps ensure Grant PUD power is available when our customers need it.
Lamprey Passage Modifications: Grant PUD has made modifications to make it easier for Pacific Lamprey, an important part of the Columbia River ecosystem, to pass through the fish ladders at Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams. The upgrades have helped Grant PUD achieve a 10-year no net impact milestone on fish passage for its hydro operations.