PacifiCorp's updated plan accelerates a bold energy future with low-cost, reliable, sustainable power for its customers

PORTLAND, Ore. — PacifiCorp today filed its 2021 Integrated Resource Plan with its six state utility commissions. The biennial long-term resource plan builds on PacifiCorp’s strong reliability as it accelerates its clean energy future by leveraging the abundant diversity of resources that are available across its vast multi-state transmission network. The plan continues investment in new clean energy resources, including advanced nuclear, battery and pumped hydro storage, demand response and energy efficiency programs. PacifiCorp’s innovative resource plan is enabled by expanding and modernizing its transmission network to deliver the most cost-effective and reliable energy portfolio to serve customers. 

Developed with comprehensive data analysis and active stakeholder input spanning more than a year-and-a-half, the plan results in a 74 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, which is a further reduction from the 2019 plan (which envisioned a 59 percent reduction by 2030). Continued clean energy acquisition and foundational transmission investments identified in the plan will result in a 98 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2050. 

“Our customers depend on us to provide safe, reliable, affordable power every day,” said Rick Link, vice president of Resource Planning and Acquisitions for PacifiCorp. “At PacifiCorp, we share a vision with our customers and communities in which clean energy from across the West powers jobs and innovation. This bold vision has guided our work for years and this plan shows how we will build on that vision. 

“Our Integrated Resource Plan is designed to determine the lowest-cost options for customers, adjusting for risks, future customer needs, system reliability, market projections, and changing technology,” Link said. “We depend a great deal on public involvement by utility regulators, customers and other stakeholder groups to develop this plan. We are grateful for their involvement over the past 18 months.” 

Investments in new resources and transmission appear in the company’s plan in multiple states from the Coast to the Rockies. In particular, the company is accelerating its investment in Wyoming’s future with new transmission, advanced nuclear, renewable energy and storage resources. The updated plan also includes conversion of two units at the Jim Bridger facility by 2024 so they can continue to maintain reliable supply during peak periods, while at the same time, save customers money and reduce emissions. Previous plans had called for the closure of these two coal units in 2023 and 2028. 

For the first time, the updated plan includes an advanced nuclear facility in Wyoming. The project developer, TerraPower, is anticipated to select a site at a retiring coal plant in Wyoming before the end of 2021. The advanced nuclear project includes a unique design with built-in energy storage that significantly increases its flexibility value while providing a steady and reliable source of clean energy. Accompanying the advanced nuclear project will be job opportunities for existing and new plant workers and anticipated economic boost to rural Wyoming communities. 

The current plan builds on extensive work the company has completed in recent years, including its $3 billion Energy Vision 2020 wind power and transmission projects, and its most recent Request for Proposals, more than double the size of Energy Vision 2020, that resulted in a final shortlist of 19 proposed wind, solar and battery storage projects and associated transmission that will be added to the company’s portfolio by 2024.