Electric cooperatives support new Idaho power project

Flathead Electric Cooperative and Lincoln Electric Cooperative are both supporting a new natural gas power project in northern Idaho near Rathdrum.  

The project, developed through Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative and Kindle Energy, will feature a high-efficiency natural gas plant designed to produce more electricity with less fuel.  

The facility is expected to be among the lowest emitting of its kind in the region and could incorporate hydrogen blending in the future. 

The Co-ops say the investment is part of long-term planning to meet growing demand and respond to increasing challenges, including extreme weather, reduced hydropower, and rising energy needs across the Northwest. 

“This is about making sure our members have power they can depend on at a price they can afford,” said Matt Quinn, LEC general manager. “We’re planning ahead to keep electricity reliable when it matters most.” 

Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative Power is a generation and transmission cooperative owned by 25 electric cooperatives across seven western states. It provides power supply and related services to member systems throughout the Northwest.  

The project is one of several efforts by PNGC Power and its member cooperatives to strengthen the regional power supply and improve system resilience. 

Jessica Matlock, CEO of PNGC Power, said the project reflects its responsibility to plan for the future.  

Flathead Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Mark Johnson said, “The agreement helps position us to have the resources needed to keep the lights on, especially during periods of high demand or when other generation sources are unavailable.” 

As a not-for-profit electric Cooperative, FEC is fortunate to have preference rights to hydropower produced by the Federal Columbia River Power System, purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration.  

This essential resource remains one of the least carbon-intensive and most affordable in the country and will continue to serve as the FEC’s primary power supply.  However, the amount of low-cost federal hydropower FEC can access is not enough to meet the current demand of their members.  

Once operational, the new Idaho facility will provide additional power resources to meet the area’s growing demand and future reliability requirements. 

Natural gas generation maintains grid reliability by providing flexible, around-the-clock power, including when hydro generation is limited or when weather events cause power markets to tighten and prices to spike. Natural gas supports the integration of renewable resources, such as wind and solar, by filling gaps when those resources are not producing electricity. 

“This is about balance,” said FEC Board of Trustees President Stacey Schnebel. “We are committed to a diverse energy portfolio that includes renewables, conservation, and firm generation resources to serve our members reliably and affordably.” 

The project is expected to come online in 2032, pending permitting and development timelines.  

FEC has published FAQs about the project.