The Energy Authority and Grant County Public Utility District on Oct. 16 announced a strategic partnership that will transform how Grant PUD navigates the rapidly evolving energy markets of the West.
The collaboration will enhance Grant PUD’s ability to optimize resources, participate in emerging market opportunities, and ensure reliable, cost-effective service for its customers, a news release from the PUD and TEA said.
Grant PUD joins over 80 existing utilities that partner with TEA for access to portfolio management, energy trading, and advanced analytical services.
Through this long-term partnership, TEA will function as an extension of staff to provide Grant PUD with a comprehensive suite of services, including:
• Short-term energy trading and scheduling, load/resource balancing, and optimization of Grant PUD’s generating resources
• Optimization of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Slice Product
• Management and settlement of the Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP) Operations Program
• Onboarding and participation in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Markets+ initiative
Grant PUD owns and operates the Priest Rapids Project on the Columbia River in Central Washington, which includes the Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.
Together, these facilities have a generating capacity of more than 2,100 megawatts of electricity.
Located in a rural, predominantly agricultural region, Grant County has flourished thanks to local ownership and control of its power resources.
“The availability of low-cost electricity has been instrumental in attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth at both the regional and state levels,” the news release noted.
“Through TEA’s expertise in wholesale energy markets, portfolio optimization, and advanced analytics, Grant PUD will significantly expand its access to the people, systems, and insights needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape,” Grant PUD and TEA said.
“This partnership represents a bold step toward the future,” said John Mertlich, General Manager & CEO of Grant PUD. “The West is undergoing a historic transformation — from new market structures to changing resource adequacy requirements. TEA’s deep expertise and shared commitment to public power will help us manage risk, capture value, and take a proactive, visionary approach to ensure Grant PUD remains a reliable, affordable, and innovative energy provider for decades to come.”
TEA President & CEO Joanie Teofilo, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the partnership.
“Grant PUD is not just adapting to the new market reality — they are helping shape it. We are honored to join them as a trusted partner, bringing the energy trading expertise, best practices in risk management, and analytical insights needed to unlock value and lead through change. Together, we’ll navigate market opportunities and operational challenges to maximize value for Grant PUD and its customers,” she said.
By combining Grant PUD’s robust generation portfolio with TEA’s market expertise, “the partnership positions both organizations at the forefront of Western market evolution — creating a new standard for how public power utilities can thrive through collaboration, innovation, and grid transformation,” they said.
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, the news release noted.
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 municipally-owned utilities today," the news release noted.
