Thermal power

We have a diversified supply of resources that make up our fuel mix which include, hydropower, coal, and natural gas. Our thermal power facilities include electricity from natural gas and coal which is outlined below.

Gas-fired power

PSE owns nine natural gas-fired power plants with a combined generating capacity of approximately 1,900 megawatts. The latest addition to the utility’s gas-fired fleet is the 270-megawatt Ferndale Generating Station. PSE acquired the Whatcom County facility in late 2012.

In addition to the Ferndale plant, we have gas-fired power-generating facilities in Pierce (Frederickson, with two facilities), Skagit (Fredonia), Cowlitz (Mint Farm) and Klickitat (Goldendale) counties, as well as three other plants (Whitehorn, Encogen and Sumas in Whatcom County.

Gas-fired power is safe, requires no disposal or storage of dangerous wastes and emits far less carbon dioxide than other power resources that use fossil fuels.

Coal-fired power

PSE’s coal portfolio dropped by 307 MW to 393 MW in January 2020 when plant operator and co-owner Talen Energy closed Units 1 & 2 at the Colstrip Power Project in eastern Montana.