Compact provides low-cost power
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
3 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
Regarding the article in the March 16 edition titled Litigation Strategy Begins, the Salish Water Compact approved by the State of Montana, provides for the low-cost block of power:
“(H. Power Provisions, 1. Low Cost Block of Power: The Parties recognize that Article 40 of the Kerr Project License, as amended, jointly issued to the Montana Power Company and the Tribes for the Kerr Project, Project No. 5, requires Montana Power Company, through its successor-in-interest, NorthWestern Energy, to make available the capacity and energy up to 3.734 at up to 100 percent load factor during the months of April through October to the United States, for and on behalf of the FIIP, at the rates set forth in and adjusted in accordance to such Article.
The parties agree that Kerr Project License Article 40 Low Cost Block of Power is equivalent to the delivery of 19,178,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, and generally supplies electricity necessary to pump approximately 46,000 acre-feet of water per year to the FIIP. If the operation and maintenance, and all other rights and responsibilities for the Kerr Project are assumed by the Tribes or their wholly-owned corporation, the Tribes agree, to the extent permitted under applicable license(s) and Federal law, to make the Low Cost Block of Power available in the same manner and at the same rates, as adjusted, as NorthWestern Energy. If the Tribes seek a new license for the Kerr Project, the Tribes or their wholly-owned corporation, agree that their license application will request authority from FERC to make the Low Cost Block of Power available in the same manner and at the same rates, as adjusted, as NorthWestern Energy.”
The “strategy” that the three irrigation districts and their joint board have used has not worked for the past 35 years. Rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars fighting the Salish Water Compact, the BIA, the CSKT, and the Department of Interior, the monies collected via our property tax bills could be put to better use by helping the FIIP become a world class irrigation system by promoting the approval of the “Compact” by the U.S. Congress.
Merrill Bradshaw
Arlee
