Chelan PUD to Modernize Original Units at Rock Island Dam

By Kimberlee Craig

Chelan County PUD commissioners Monday, decided to invest about $60 million to modernize the four original generating units at Rock Island Dam. The decision came after the board reviewed the results of intensive staff analysis and concluded the project meets the strategic objective of investing in long-term assets that provide value to customer-owners.

The benefits would include reliable operation of the units for another 50 years; an expected 12-percent rate of return; and more flexibility in hydro operations, said Brett Bickford, Engineering and Project Management director. The project also has environmental and fish protection benefits and aligns with PUD values of safety, stewardship, trustworthiness and operational excellence, Bickford said. Read more