Grant PUD Considers Major Solar Energy Deal to Meet Growing Demand

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District (Grant PUD) staff proposed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with Quincy Solar LLC to commissioners this Tuesday. The agreement pertains to a substantial 120-megawatt solar project planned for the Rocky Ford area in Grant County, a strategic step to address the county’s escalating energy needs.

As part of Grant PUD’s Integrated Resource Plan, the utility aims to acquire up to 300 megawatts of solar energy by 2027. This initiative is in response to the anticipated growth in energy demand, which is set to exceed the output capabilities of the county’s primary energy sources, the Columbia River dams—Priest Rapids and Wanapum.

The proposed solar project, strategically located east of Highway 17 and northwest of Grant County International Airport, represents a pivotal element in diversifying the county’s energy portfolio. According to Rich Flanigan, Grant PUD’s chief commercial officer, the contract with Quincy Solar is expected to commence in October 2027, with energy costs projected between $70 and $72 per megawatt hour. Grant PUD would receive the entirety of the project’s output.

This proposal emerged from an extensive evaluation process which started with 82 proposals in response to a comprehensive, all-source capacity request issued by Grant PUD in 2024. The selection was narrowed down to six, including Quincy Solar and Goose Prairie Solar near Yakima, with whom Grant PUD has already secured a contract for up to 80 megawatts of power. Both projects are instrumental in achieving the utility’s target of 300 megawatts of contracted solar power.

The decision on this critical proposal is set for April 8, when commissioners will cast their votes.