Bonneville Power Administration's Capability and Preparations To Implement the Regional Power Plan

GAO discussed the Bonneville Power Administration's (BPA) capability and preparations to implement the Regional Power Plan adopted by the Northwest Power Planning Council. The Pacific Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act made BPA responsible for developing a conservation and electric power plan while effectively meeting the needs of its customers. GAO stated that the council's first action plan envisions substantial power surpluses in the region, and it should be feasible for BPA to implement the plan. Institutional arrangements between BPA, the council, and other regional bodies for implementing the plan are in an evolutionary stage and will need to be monitored and adjusted with experience. GAO believes that, to provide the necessary revenues, the BPA budget should parallel the council's plan to synchronize budgeting, planning, and rate setting process for the region. BPA and the council both support regional efforts to negotiate sales of power surpluses, although legal and institutional impediments must be addressed to conclude these sales.