Shows
Dam!Ep.45 Not your average portDam! heads to the mighty Palouse to get the scoop on the Port of Whitman County. Executive director Kara Riebold and commissioner Kristine Meyer make the perfect duo to tell the story of multi-modal transportation, recreation, improvements to the community, and of course, the value of the river system.2025-06-0444 minDam!Hydro 101: Lock in on locksClass is in session! The fifth episode of Hydro 101, a sub-series of the Dam! podcast, has arrived. Hydro 101 aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of hydropower and how it interacts with energy and the environment–particularly in the Northwest. This episode explores the infrastructure responsible for solving vertical challenges on the water, the lock, from the historical development of the technology to an explanation of how a modern lock works like a water elevator.2025-04-0318 minDam!Ep. 44 Fight for the systemThe Columbia-Snake river system, that is. Neil Maunu, executive director at the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, gives us the rundown on the integrated system of infrastructure that makes the Columbia and Snake rivers navigable. From locks and dams to dredging and jetties, it's an all hands on deck operation that provides critical services well-beyond just the Northwest, and on this episode we cover it all.2025-03-061h 01Dam!Ep.43 Wheat's the big deal?There's a unique relationship between agriculture and hydropower that we've yet to fully explore on the podcast. That all changes with this latest episode, as Michelle Hennings from the Washington Association of Wheat Growers–a farmer herself–joins the podcast to discuss the multitude of benefits the dams provide to rural communities. 2025-01-2552 min
The Farming Show'Redundant': Coalition Decries New Dam Breaching Study PlanA coalition of regional leaders including farmers is calling on the federal government to withdraw its plan for new environmental reviews of the Columbia and Snake River dams.
Clark Mather, Executive Director of NW RiverPartners, joins Dillon to explain why such a study would be misleading and unlawful, risking huge harm to farming, hydropower and the future of the entire Pacific Northwest.2024-12-2118 minDam!Ep.42 Dam! Year in ReviewWith Dam! winding down for 2024, we wanted to spend some time revisiting an incredible year of storytelling. You'll hear snippets from a handful of episodes, starting with our most-listened to of the year, that capture some of the most impactful moments shared on the podcast. For both those who missed these episodes or haven't heard them in sometime, we think you'll enjoy what we've put together.2024-11-2957 minDam!Ep.41 Salmon rejoice! Reintroduction on the Green RiverWhile we love hydropower stories, we know that dams serve a multitude of purposes. In fact, many dams generate no power whatsoever. And, likewise, the community-owned, not-for-profit utilities that serve the Northwest offer more than energy. What remains the same is the universal commitment to environmental stewardship and collaborative solutions that benefit all. Today, we explore the story behind the non-powered Howard Hanson dam and the effort to bring fish passage to it–allowing salmon to return to spawning habitat in the Green River. To tell that story, we connected with the interim superintendent of Tacoma Water, Heather Pennington, to...2024-11-0848 minDam!Ep.40 Telling "The Whole Dam Story"Just hearing mention of the four lower Snake River dams can stir up strong feelings for people who fall on either side of the debate over their future. Yet, it's rare to find someone who's actually stood atop–or within–these dams and spoken with the people who work at them at length. Ryan Hall, communications director at the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association and editor for Rural Montana, made it his mission to do exactly that and report what he found to communities across Montana. The four-part series, "The Whole Dam Story," is the product of that work, and the...2024-10-251h 13Dam!Hydro 101: What is a watt?Class is in session! The fourth episode of Hydro 101, a sub-series of the Dam! podcast, has arrived. Hydro 101 aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of hydropower and how it interacts with energy and the environment–particularly in the Northwest. This episode takes a deep dive into the units of measurement used to describe the generation and consumption of energy. By the end, you'll have a better idea of where watts came from, what they represent, and how to quantify them.2024-10-1118 minDam!Ep.39 The silent service of the sagebrush sailorsFrom deep into the interior Northwest to the mouth of the Columbia, river transportation is a vital yet overlooked service to the nation and the world. Rob Rich, vice president of marine services at Shaver Transportation, joins Dam! to shed a light on this "silent service," speak to the true value it provides, share the incredible opportunities it presents, and how all of this is interwoven with our hydroelectric dams.2024-09-271h 09Dam!Ep.38 Now hiring! (For the clean energy future)The future of hydropower and the utilities who depend on it across the Northwest rests in the future of our workforce. In the case of Grant PUD, that workforce is challenged by looming retirements and gaps in education and training. Yet, the utility is rising to meet those challenges head on, and convert them into opportunities for their employees and the rural community they serve. Joining us on this episode to provide more details and tell his own unique story is Grant's general manager and CEO, Rich Wallen.2024-09-1355 minDam!Ep.37 Cost Cap: Setting the record straight"Misinformation does not serve our region or policymakers and doesn’t recover salmon." That's the message Northwest RiverPartners executive director, Clark Mather, delivered in a recent statement. That statement was in response to a campaign aimed at undermining bipartisan legislation simply meant to maintain the federal government’s commitment for the Bonneville Power Administration to spend no more than $300 million in additional funds to implement the 12/14 agreement. On this special episode of Dam!, Clark is joined by Katie Pfennigs from Flathead Electric Cooperative and Chris Sidmore from the Flathead Food Bank to discuss the legislation, what it truly stands for, a...2024-08-3040 minDam!Ep.36 Cause for celebrationPut your party hats on! President and CEO of the National Hydropower Association, Malcolm Woolf, returns to Dam! to hype us up for National Hydropower Day and the upcoming celebration. He also provided us with updates on the state of hydropower in 2024, the challenges and opportunities ahead, ongoing work on bipartisan legislation, and the need to build momentum and increase visibility for our favorite resource.2024-08-1650 minDam!Ep.35 Hydropower on the small screenIf you've ever wondered what the deal is behind the "Our Power is Water" campaign we've been running here at Northwest RiverPartners for the past four years, this is the podcast for you! We caught up with North's CEO, Rebecca Armstrong, to discuss digital advertising for a good cause, the nuance of telling hydropower stories in the Northwest, and the exciting, yet terrifying future introduced by artificial intelligence. If that wasn't enough, you'll get the scoop on North's partnership with the Oregon Humane Society, a case for bringing a miniature dachshund into your life, and the answer to whether...2024-08-0258 min
Venture BoldlyFrom River to Grid: Hydropower's Impact on NWMT EnergySend us your feedback!What if over 80% of your region's electricity came from a single source? Join us on Venture Boldly as we explore the profound impact of hydropower in Northwest Montana with our guest, Clark Mather, Executive Director of Northwest RiverPartners. Discover how this renewable energy powerhouse fuels the local economy and provides clean, reliable electricity to communities in Kalispell and Flathead Valley. Clark shares his expertise on the current challenges facing hydropower, including the growing electricity demands and the feasibility of supplementing it with solar and wind energy.Our conversation also delves into...2024-07-2227 minDam!Hydro 101: A brief history on Northwest hydropowerClass is in session! The third episode of our new sub-series of the regular Dam! podcast is here. Hydro 101 aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of hydropower and how it interacts with energy and the environment–particularly in the Northwest. On this installment, we walk through the timeline of events and happenings that span the era of dam-building in the region–giving birth to hydro and public power as we know it today.2024-07-1920 minDam!Ep.34 Designing fish-safe hydropowerFish passage is a serious matter for hydropower–especially for our Federal hydro system in the Columbia River basin. Like the dams themselves, maintaining and updating fish passage infrastructure is essential to achieving the best possible results for our aquatic friends. One of the leaders in this field is Natel, who designs fish-safe turbines to replace aging turbines and eliminate the need for bypass systems for juvenile salmon. Joining us on this episode to detail this win-win in design is Natel's co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Gia Schneider.2024-07-051h 02Dam!Ep.33 Charge! Funding the future of battery storageEnergy storage is not only essential to meeting our growing electricity needs, it also ensures a reliable grid. And, in places where even accessing that energy is a challenge, energy storage can alleviate the pressure on transmission infrastructure. Ravalli Electric Cooperative's slice of rural Montana is one such place, but with the help of the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative–or PNGC–they've secured a grant to build a new battery storage project to help overcome these challenges. On this episode, Erin Erben, senior vice president of power supply and strategy at PNGC, gives us all the details on how this...2024-06-211h 00Dam!Ep.32 Forecasting our clean energy futureThe first step to solving a problem, is admitting you have one. We've known the demand for energy is outpacing our ability to build new generation, all while coal is retiring at a swift pace. Now, PNUCC's 2024 Northwest Regional Forecast is showing a clear gap in where we're headed, and where we need to be. It all sounds a bit scary, so we reached out and connected with their executive director, Crystal Ball, to give us the full context around the forecast and what it means for our clean energy future. 2024-06-071h 07Dam!Hydro 101: How fish navigate damsClass is in session! The second episode of our new sub-series of the regular Dam! podcast is here. Hydro 101 aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of hydropower and how it interacts with energy and the environment–particularly in the Northwest. As the title suggests, this one is all about fish passage and the infrastructure that allows our scaly friends to migrate up and down river of our local dams. 2024-05-2420 minDam!Ep.31 Who's in charge around here?With the hiring of Northwest RiverPartner's newest executive director, Clark Mather, it was only a matter of time before we would introduce him to the Dam! podcast listeners. That time is now. You'll hear Clark describe his background, just how small the public power world really is, his views on the value of hydropower, and takes on the most relevant and pressing issues we face in 2024. The next chapter in our hydropower advocacy effort starts now!2024-05-101h 01Dam!Ep.30 Live at the USSD 2024 annual conference!Dam! hit the road and headed to Seattle, Washington, to record this special episode on site at the 2024 US Society on Dams annual conference. We opened up the guest chair to anyone looking for their "15 minutes of fame" on the podcast, and the lineup did not disappoint. Listen in to hear from the likes of Jeremy Begley, Dr. Nathaniel Gee, and Dr. Robert Hall and enjoy their expert insights and stories!2024-04-261h 18Dam!Ep.29 Can hydro survive climate change?Fears of drought, extreme weather, and a future full of uncertainty are not without reason. Climate change is front of mind for many, and reinforced by an onslaught of headlines and social media content. All of this begs the question, can our hydropower resources in the Northwest survive? If anyone is qualified to answer that question, it's Erik Pytlak, who manages weather and streamflow forecasting at the Bonneville Power Administration. On this episode, Erik shares the ins and outs of making forecasts and predictions, and answers our burning questions about the future of hydro as we know it.2024-04-121h 27Dam!Ep.28 Behind the story of The Grand PromiseOn this episode of Dam!, we're joined by Rebekah Anderson, senior manager of communications at Tacoma Public Utilities and author of The Grand Promise. Her award-winning fiction novel captures life during the construction of Grand Coulee dam and illustrates the positive and negative impacts that it had on nearby communities. Of course, you'll have to read the book for yourself to get the full story, but Anderson shared the inspiration and history that were instrumental to the narrative, her writing process, how it changed her perspectives on hydropower and public works as a whole, and much more.2024-03-2958 minDam!Ep.27 Elementary, my dear WaterpowerTo know of hydropower and to love it go hand-in-hand. Today, the challenge is that less and less people actually know much about hydropower at all. The Foundation for Water & Energy Education, or FWEE for short, is tackling that challenge head on by bringing hydro to the classroom in creative and exciting ways. Sheila Corson, serving as acting the acting board chair, joins Dam! to share the important mission of FWEE, how they educate educators, the numerous ways students can get engaged and identify potential career paths, and the power of the PowerWheel and its ability to bring joy...2024-03-151h 11Dam!Ep.26 How hydro powered through the January cold snapIn January of 2024, a blanket of extreme cold and ice was cast over the Northwest. The winter storm presented many threats, and our grid was not immune to them. Despite extremely high energy demand, our abundance of hydropower ensured we never faced shortages and rolling blackouts. We reached out to the Bonneville Power Administration, who supplies that energy to public utilities across the region, to get the full scoop. On this very special episode, we were joined by Michelle Cathcart, vice president of generation asset management, who provided her insight and expertise on the January storm, how BPA tackles...2024-03-0152 minDam!Ep.25 "Ask Bob"Clearwater Power's Bob Pierce is not just their COO–he's also the author of "Ask Bob." In this podcast, we ask Bob what "Ask Bob" is, how he got started answering questions from the community, and revisit some of his most popular questions over the years to get his take. As you'll hear, there's a Dam! good reason he's the guy to go to when you've got questions about energy and hydropower!2024-02-1655 minDam!Hydro 101: Introduction to HydropowerClass is in session! "But hold on, what happened to my Dam! podcast?" Hey, no worries, Dam! isn't going anywhere. This week, we're releasing a special episode as part of a new sub-series of the regular podcast that aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of hydropower and how it interacts with energy and the environment–particularly in the Northwest. That fundamental understanding is essential to grasping the more in-depth discussions we love having with our expert guests. We welcome those new to hydro and our regular enthusiasts alike, and hope you all learn a little something from tu...2024-02-0229 minDam!Ep.24 Get a job... in hydro!We're joined by Bree Mendlin, program director at the Hydropower Foundation, to discuss the various pathways and opportunities available to those interested in joining the waterpower workforce. Along the way, we take a deeper dive into the education efforts, STEM programs, competitions, and college clubs all helping guide students on their career journey, and hear about those who have successfully made that transition from student to employee.2024-01-191h 06Dam!Ep.23 Catch fish, win prizes, save salmonWhat do the three subjects in the title of this podcast have in common? They're all important aspects of the work being done by Sean Simmons and Angler's Atlas. On this episode of Dam!, Sean explains Angler's Atlas, discusses the importance of citizen science, how the MyCatch app and angling tournaments are bringing in valuable fish data, and how he hopes to use similar methods with the Salmon Prize–a competition aimed at producing models that can better predict salmon returns.2024-01-051h 11Dam!Ep.22 The show must go on!In our final episode of the year, we introduce Dam! listeners to Northwest RiverPartners' new interim executive director, Heather Stebbings. Transitioning from her prior role with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge about the lower Snake River dams issue to the table. We discuss her background, her plans as interim, and the continuity she hopes to provide to the organization during this time of transition.2023-11-1758 minDam!Ep.21 Saying goodbyeWe bid farewell to our executive director, Kurt Miller, on our 21st episode of Dam! On this one, Kurt shares the memories made and lessons learned leading Northwest RiverPartners, where he's headed and what he'll be up to next, and he shares incredibly valuable career and personal advice that you won't want to miss. Of course, there are plenty of laughs and good times along the way.2023-11-031h 48Dam!Ep.20 It takes a water-powered villageWe welcome a very fitting guest to Dam! this week with Brenna Vaughn, executive director of the Northwest Hydroelectric Association–or NWHA. As you can imagine, we covered all things hydropower advocacy, education, the challenges and opportunities that hydro faces, and compared and contrasted the work of both organizations.2023-10-201h 22Dam!Ep.19 "Enchanted" grid resiliency solutionsThis very special episode of Dam! features Thomas McAndrew, founder, president, and CEO of Enchanted Rock, who flew in from Texas to join us in studio with his good friend Kurt Miller, executive director here at Northwest RiverPartners. We discuss the various microgrid solutions that Enchanted Rock provides, the benefits of renewable natural gas and how it works (at a fifth grade-ish level), the challenges the grid faces and what solutions might help us get out of the woods, and we get a double dose of life advice. 2023-10-061h 30Dam!Ep.18 The little nukes that couldOkay, maybe they don't like being called "little." You may know them better as small modular nuclear reactors, and they could just be the big breakthrough we need to reach our clean energy goals. Luckily, our friends and member, Energy Northwest, knows a thing or two about this topic and could educate us on all things nuclear. On this episode, Greg Cullen, vice president of energy services and development, fills us in on SMRs here in the Northwest and discusses the challenges we face as well.2023-09-221h 15Dam!Ep.17 Microgrid in a boxWhat's a microgrid? Why put it in a box? How does this all tie in to hydropower? These are all great questions you're probably asking, and to help answer them, we pulled together not one, but three expert guests for this special episode of Dam! To explain the project and how it works, Thomas Mosier and Kurt Myers from Idaho National Laboratory join the podcast. And, to gain a public power perspective, we also brought in Ted Austin from Fall River Electric Cooperative–the utility that participated in the demonstration with INL.2023-09-081h 15Dam!Ep.16 Rollin' down the river highwayDam! returns for another excellent episode with the Port of Lewiston's general manager, Scott Corbitt. Thanks to Scott, we get the full scoop on inland ports, barge transportation, the movement of agriculture products and goods on Marine Highway M-84, why the lower Snake River dams are essential, and so much more.2023-08-251h 19Dam!Ep.15 Moving the grid forward... with Grid ForwardWhat is grid modernization? How does one go about it? Why do we need it in the first place? All great questions someone might ask if they were going to do a podcast with Bryce Yonker of Grid Forward. Luckily for you, this is that podcast, and we asked all of those questions, and more! Strap in and get ready to learn about smart meters and thermostats, demand response programs, how drones help utilities manage power lines, the role of rooftop solar and EVs as grid assets, and how recent federal policies have paved the way for modernization to...2023-08-111h 05Dam!Ep.14 Wildfire: A worst case scenario for public powerBilly Terry of Consumer's Power Inc. appears on this episode of Dam! to share his experience as chief operations officer before, during, and after wildfires scorched the community of Detroit Lake in Oregon. We dive into his utility background and getting his start in California, the changes he's witnessed to Northwest summers as a result of climate change, the work Consumer's did to prepare for wildfires, the experience of living and working through the Beachie Creek Fire, how hydropower serves as a "fireproof" energy resource, and what's next as his utility faces the enormous challenge of replacing all of...2023-07-281h 14Dam!Ep.13 The unsung hero of the gridWe're joined on this episode by none other than Malcolm Woolf, president and CEO of the National Hydropower Association. Malcolm gives us valuable insights into hydropower advocacy at the national level, the ground being made on energy policy, finding common ground through uncommon dialogue, what makes hydropower the "unsung hero of the grid," and why telling water power's story is so important. As a bonus, you get his take on marine energy and pumped storage!2023-07-141h 19Dam!Ep.12 Boom or bust: There's water in them hills!If you didn't piece it together from the episode title, on this special episode of Dam! we hear from our neighbors in California on the current state of hydropower. Nick Dominguez of Lassen Municipal Utility District shares the unique challenges California utilities face, gives us a lay of the land for Lassen's service territory, breaks down the energy supply from hydropower and other resources, and we compare and contrast how all of this relates to the Pacific Northwest.2023-06-3055 minDam!Ep.11 Policies have consequencesWashington Policy Center's new Eastern Washington director, Sean O'Brien, joins Dam! to give us some insight into the world of Northwest energy policy at a state and national level. We explore Sean's prior roles, including his time working for Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), making a return home to the Northwest, his experience with AgForestry, and what's happening at the legislative and judicial level right now that could impact hydropower. Additionally, he shares a fascinating untold story of the aftermath of the Murray-Inslee process and the demands placed on the folks who depend on the Columbia and Snake river system...2023-06-161h 34Dam!Ep.10 Public power podcastin'It's a meeting of the minds between two public power podcast hosts! We're joined on this special episode of Dam! by Danny Combs, corrective action program specialist and host of the Coworker to Coworker podcast at Grant PUD. Topics covered include the behind the curtain discussion of successfully creating and hosting the podcast, providing an answer to that "so what?" question that is often raised with regards to public power podcasting, a little history lesson, Grant's hydropower projects and the ways they enable the community to thrive and grow, and everything the utility is doing to solve problems and...2023-06-021h 34Dam!Ep.9 Lightning to the transportationCam LeHouillier, manager of energy research and development at Tacoma Public Utilities, gives us the scoop on all things electric vehicles in this episode of Dam! We take a look at bringing electrification to both residential and commercial transportation, charging and energy infrastructure, the important role of hydropower and clean energy, what responsibility utilities have in carving out a path for electrification, utilizing batteries alongside hydrogen for heavy duty applications, the unique challenges in electrifying a major port, and Cam's personal advice on switching to an EV. 2023-05-191h 23Dam!Ep.8 Hydro historyThis time on Dam!, author and executive director of ORECA, Ted Case, schools us on the history of hydropower and rural electrification in the Northwest. We discuss the subject matter of his books, Power Plays and Poles, Wires, and War, as well as the public power's representation in US politics, presidential libraries, the value of these assets in the modern day, and where the political trends are headed on the subject. As a bonus, Ted gives us the scoop on ORECA's involvement in bringing a rural electrification movement to Guatemala.2023-05-051h 14Dam!Ep.7 Communication is keyIn this episode of Dam!, we catch up with Katie Pfennigs, the manager of community relations at Flathead Electric Cooperative. She provides us with a Western Montana perspective on hydropower and the challenges of electric utilities in the Rocky Mountain region of the country. We also explore the fundamental value of communications, policy and government affairs work, Montana's housing crisis, freezing your face off, damaged line trucks in the height of the rut, and advocating on behalf of hydropower. 2023-04-211h 11Dam!Ep.6 Of farms and familyDam! explores the topic of Northwest agriculture and where it intersects with hydropower with Blaine Meek of AgriNorthwest. We get to know what farming in Southeast Washington looks like and the community behind our agriculture, gain insight into the role of dams in irrigation and agriculture, explore the sticky subject of the lower Snake River dams and what breaching could mean for our farms, and compare and contrast the biological systems of crops, salmon, and our own human selves.2023-04-071h 03Dam!Ep.5 Analyze & energizeEnergy GPS's Director of Market Analytics, Steve Edburg, joins the podcast to do take a deep dive into clean energy, hydropower, and much more. We discuss everything from what Energy GPS does to the studies they've completed for Northwest RiverPartners on the impacts of removing and replacing the lower Snake River dams. Steve also shares his data-driven perspective on our clean energy goals and the pace of renewable buildout, policy and electrification, and his outlook on where the Northwest's grid is headed. Analysis, energy, and integrity are the common threads that sew together this episode of Dam!2023-03-241h 08Dam!Ep.4 Hydrogen: The "other" hydro powerOn this episode of Dam!, Douglas PUD's Gary Ivory fills us in on his utilities exploration into hydrogen and what it means for his community and beyond. We also explore what else Douglas has going on, from hydropower projects to hatcheries and even broadband internet! 2023-03-1041 minDam!Ep.3 The cliff of grid reliabilityBenton PUD's Rick Dunn joins the pod to share his expertise on regional energy, grid reliability, and the technologies, including hydropower, that power his community. He also describes his passion for educating policymakers and the public on the importance of safety, affordability, and reliability when deciding how the Northwest will steer its clean energy transition. 2023-02-241h 19Dam!Ep.2 Pumped on storageIn this episode, Rye Development's vice president of development, Erik Steimle, joins us to talk all things pumped storage. We explore this "alternative" hydropower technology, how pumped storage facilities work, and why they're an important asset in the transition to clean energy. Additionally, Erik breaks down what it takes to build pumped storage and the benefits communities can expect. Get pumped!2023-02-101h 01Dam!Ep.1 What's this Dam! podcast about?Northwest RiverPartners executive director and hydropower advocate Kurt Miller joins the show for our very first episode of Dam! We break down whos, whats, whens, wheres, hows, and whys–and any other questions you can think of–regarding a Northwest hydropower podcast. Together, we also give you some insight into the organization and what we're all about.2023-01-271h 07
The Power Hour with Chelan PUDHydro as a superpower - S2E11 featuring Austin RohrAustin Rohr of Northwest RiverPartners, joins your host, Lacy Stockton, to answer your questions about hydropower and its impact across the Northwest and beyond.
We chat about:
How do folks feel about hydro outside Chelan County?
What’s being done to prioritize salmon recovery?
How does hydro support wind and solar energy?
Why does selling our power to California helps us?
The skinny on the Lower Snake River dams, and much more!
Power Hour schedule and past episodes: chelanpud.org/powerhour
Chelan PUD rebates and incentives: chelanpud.org/save
Explainer on th...2022-11-1052 min
Along Those Lines‘Super-Power’: The Impact of Hydroelectric DamsHydropower plants are marvels of engineering that have helped bring development and prosperity to the regions they serve. But they're also in the crosshairs of interest groups that say they should be closed because of their environmental impacts and others who want to sell the facilities to private industry. Learn more from three hydropower experts: Kurt Miller of Northwest RiverPartners, Benton REA's Troy Berglund and NRECA's Ashley Slater.2022-05-2326 min