[Ephrata, WA / Jacksonville, FL – February 18, 2026] – The Energy Authority (TEA) and the Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County, WA (Grant PUD) announced today that TEA’s Board of Directors and Grant PUD’s Commission have approved Grant PUD’s Membership in TEA, deepening the organizations’ strategic relationship and expanding TEA’s Member footprint to be nationwide.
As a Member of TEA, Grant PUD will have access to TEA’s full suite of services, including energy trading and risk management, portfolio management, advanced analytics, and advisory solutions.
Grant PUD will become TEA’s seventh Member on April 1, 2026, strengthening TEA’s public power membership base and aligning TEA’s Membership with its national client footprint. Grant PUD joins TEA’s existing Members: American Municipal Power, Inc.; City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri; Grand River Dam Authority; JEA; Nebraska Public Power District; and the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper).
Grant PUD first partnered with TEA in 2025, and the relationship quickly demonstrated the value of TEA’s services and experience. In a short time, Grant PUD saw the additional strategic advantages that Membership brings —deeper alignment, long-term stability, and a direct role in shaping TEA’s future—leading to the decision to join TEA as a Member.
“TEA has proven to be a trusted partner and regional leader as the West undergoes significant market evolution,” said John Mertlich, General Manager & CEO of Grant PUD. “Becoming a Member is a natural next step. It formalizes our long-term alignment and ensures Grant PUD and TEA work together to take advantage of the changing market landscape in the region. Being a Member of TEA also ensures that Grant PUD has a strong voice in TEA’s strategic direction as we work together to manage risk, capture value, and serve our customers with reliability and affordability.”
Grant PUD is well-known for its leadership in regional and national public power initiatives, including its role in the Large Public Power Council (LPPC) and its forward-thinking approach to navigating market transformation in the West.
“TEA is honored to welcome Grant PUD as our newest Member,” said Joanie Teofilo, President & CEO of The Energy Authority. “Grant PUD has long been recognized for its leadership, both in the Pacific Northwest and across the industry. Their decision to become a Member of TEA reflects a shared commitment to public power values, strategic growth, and building long-term strength through collaboration. We are thrilled to welcome Grant PUD as our seventh Member.”
“On behalf of the TEA Board, we are very pleased to welcome Grant PUD to Membership in TEA,” said Jimmy Staton, Chair of TEA’s Board of Directors. “As the nation’s leader in serving public power, it is important that TEA’s Membership reflects the breadth of our nationwide client footprint. Grant PUD is widely recognized as a leader in public power and an important force in the Western energy market landscape. Their perspective will strengthen the TEA Board and enhance our ability to serve public power across the country.”
About Grant County Public Utility District
Grant PUD, a public utility providing power and fiber service for Grant County, Washington, was founded in 1938 by local residents who envisioned affordable electricity for the entire county. Today, Grant PUD realizes that vision with a generation portfolio of more than 2,100 megawatts of clean, renewable, reliable energy, and by delivering power at some of the most affordable rates in the country. To learn more, visit www.grantpud.org.
About The Energy Authority
TEA provides public power with access to advanced resources and technology for responding competitively in the ever-changing energy markets. As a national energy trading and risk management firm, TEA not only provides public power entities with a strategic perspective on deriving maximum value from their assets but also offers advisory services, advanced analytics, and renewable solutions. Through partnership with TEA, clients benefit from an organization that understands the unique challenges facing community-owned utilities today. TEA is currently partnered with over 70 public power utilities nationwide. To learn more, visit www.teainc.org.
