An analysis to determine the optimum bussing arrangements and transmission capabilities at Grand Coulee

AS a result of the war, the installation of generators at the Grand Coulee generating station, which is located on the Columbia River in the northeastern portion of the State of Washington, has been accelerated to such an extent that the station now generates more hydroelectric energy than any other single station in the world. The station was built and is operated by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Power from it, as well as power from the Bonneville Dam, is delivered through the transmission system of the Bonneville Power Administration to three major load centers, the Puget Sound area of western Washington, the Spokane area of eastern Washington, and the Portland area of western Oregon. Power is supplied to large electrochemical industries in each load area, as well as through high-capacity ties to the public utilities of the respective areas. The high-capacity ties create a large closely integrated system operating in synchronism in the States of Washington, Oregon, and in Northern Idaho. The combined peak load of these systems exceeds 2,400,000 kw. In the eastern section of this area there are other ties to Montana, Utah, and southern Idaho utilities. Peak load of all interconnected power systems in these five states is approximately 3,000,000 kw. However, this paper is concerned mainly with the areas in Washington, Oregon, and northern Idaho.