New Power Planning Model Will Be Transparent, Accessible

On Friday, Council members voted unanimously to select Navigant Consulting to redevelop a key power planning tool, called the regional portfolio model, that it will use to develop its Seventh Power Plan.

The current model's methodology, used for the Fifth and Sixth Power Plans, was indepently reviewed and validated in 2012. The review also addressed concerns that the model is difficult to understand. This, along with other factors, such as outdated software and the retirement of the Council's lead staff developer, made redeveloping the model a priority. 

During the public meeting, Council members and Michael Dean of the Public Power Council praised the process used to select a vendor for being rigorous, open, and inclusive. 

The choice came down to three vendors, with Navigant proposing to build a new integrated resource planning model that fully implements the Council's strategic risk analysis methodology. The other two proposals the Council considered would have made incremental modifications to existing software. In the end, the Council decided to opt for a customized model that would provide systemic risk analysis.

Another key strength of Navigant's proposed software redevelopment approach is its transparency. Stakeholders will be able to examine algorithms and logic to understand how the model arrives at its results. Navigant has committed to deliver the redeveloped model in February 2015.

"The regional portfolio model is a crucial analytical tool," noted Charlie Black, power division director. "The Council's selection of Navigant represents a major milestone as we gear up for the Seventh Power Plan."

The Council's regional power plans establish an overall strategy for resource development in the Pacific Northwest to ensure an adequate, efficient, economical, and reliable power supply.