Our Public Power Legacy
Nearly 90 years ago, the Chelan County Public Utility District was formed after a vote of the people. Seventy years ago, a series of courageous decisions were made that set our course and put into motion the evolution of the District into a premier provider of clean energy in the Pacific Northwest and as a trusted supplier of other essential utility services including water, wastewater treatment, and broadband. Our assets and strong financial position allow us to measurably improve and enhance the quality of life in our community. This compelling call to action defines our work and points to a central focus: public service – we are owned by the people we serve.
Legacy is broadly defined as anything handed down from the past. What are we doing with the gifts we’ve inherited and how are we being good ancestors and stewards to those that come after us? Chelan PUD’s 50-year visioning process (Imagine 2075) will help us answer those questions and best align us for a resilient and prosperous future.
Please join us on this quest.
What is Imagine 2075?
While our five-year planning horizon has served us well, we are approaching our next plan differently. Chelan PUD is working on a 50-year strategic vision, Imagine 2075, using a planning process called Strategic Foresight. The strategic foresight process uses data, trends, scenario planning, analysis and feedback to set a course for the future. The foresight process lends itself to situations that have a high degree of uncertainty, where change is rapid, and there are many possible paths to travel. The hope is that even in the face of disruption, good decisions can be made because we have thoughtfully considered alternatives and have clear directions. Other public utility districts have used this process and its use is also widely implemented in the private sector and portions of the federal government.
What is the difference between this and a strategic plan?
Strategic plans tend to be more tactical and shorter term. They help form and guide near-term business plans, operational goals, and performance targets. Chelan PUD’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan is a good example of this. Most large public power utilities adopt 3-5 year strategic and/or business plans. The Imagine 2075 effort will result in a 50-year vision that will then be cascaded through business plans and other documents in 2025 and beyond.
A long-range plan addresses foundational questions – where are we going and who do we want to be when we get there? This approach addresses challenges, opportunities and aspirations in a comprehensive way over a longer horizon, providing more clarity about organizational pivots that may be necessary.
What is the timeline?
Preliminary work on this initiative started in late-2023 and the plan should be completed in late-2024. Implementation will begin in 2025 and will include connecting and calibrating the District’s strategy, shorter terms plans, and actions with the new vision to ensure consistency and propel the District forward.