Mission
(The following statement represents the stated mission of Puget Sound Energy’s Energy Production and Storage Group, the group that supports PSE’s hydroelectric generation facilities and of which we are both members.)
Energy Production and Storage strives to supply to our customers a product with a combination of price, reliability and hassle-free service that is unmatched in the production and storage of gas, electric and other related commodities, while addressing our environmental responsibility and the needs of our stakeholders. Our team of skilled employees accomplishes this in a workplace that recognizes professionalism, innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Primary Programs/Projects
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) operates two hydroelectric facilities on the Baker River (a tributary of the Skagit River). PSE supports the fisheries resources within the Baker sub-basin through the use of a variety of programs and facilities designed to provide for the passage of fish around our hydroelectric facilities and enhance fish populations within the basin. PSE’s activities within the watershed include operating programs for adult trap and haul, for juvenile/ smolt trap and haul, for a sockeye spawning beach, for fish releases and for other salmon enhancement measures. PSE conducts a variety of data collection and monitoring programs, which provide baseline information on basin ecology and include water quality sampling within both Baker Lake and Lake Shannon, meterologic and hydrologic data collection, and monitoring of spawning, rearing and out-migration activity with the Baker Lake watershed. PSE has also conducted numerous studies to characterize the hydrology of the watershed including runoff modeling and flood frequency analyses. PSE maintains a visitor center in Concrete to provide the public with educational information regarding the Baker River fishery and fish passage and resource enhancement programs.
Reason for Participating on the Skagit Watershed Council
PSE has a vested interest in supporting the fisheries resource of both the Baker River and the Skagit River watersheds. During our long history of working in the Skagit River watershed, PSE has performed numerous hydrological and biological studies and has collected a significant amount of data that would likely be useful to the Skagit Watershed Council. PSE’s staff of scientists, which includes fisheries and terrestrial biologists and hydrologists, could provide technical support to the Watershed Council on fisheries related issues. We feel that our experience with resource assessment and resource enhancement programs within the Baker River watershed will benefit the Council and will help the Council to attain its stated mission.
