Colville Tribes partner with OATI to build microgrids on reservation

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are working with Open Access Technology International Inc. to build microgrids at several sites on the reservation to improve power reliability and move toward energy sovereignty, according to Underscore Native News and ICT. Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson said the project is intended to reduce the impacts of frequent power outages, which average about six days per year and can be higher during winter storms and summer heat waves.

The microgrids will be built at the government center in Nespelem, the Paschal Sherman Indian School near Omak and in the Inchelium District. Grant Timentwa, general manager of the Colville Tribal Utility Corporation, said the infrastructure could support resilience and future economic development. The government center microgrid will include rooftop solar panels, battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging and control systems. Funding for the project includes state and federal sources, including Washington State Department of Commerce Tribal Clean Energy grants, according to Underscore Native News and ICT.