Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to the Town of Washtucna
Centralia, (May 15, 2025) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant in the amount of $596,588.00 to the Town of Washtucna to support the installation of a 48kW solar array with battery backup at the town’s main well pump. This 48kW array will produce approximately 62,082 kWh per year through a net metering agreement with Avista Utilities. This grant award will be leveraged with a grant from the Washington Department of Commerce Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities grant.
The project will provide a backup power source for water; lower energy costs currently being incurred by the main pumping station; support the town’s commitment and good stewardship to using renewable energy; and add an asset to the town that will continue to produce. It is an investment that directly benefits the vulnerable and highly impacted community is serves.
Washtucna is centrally located amongst wheat fields and cattle ranches in eastern Washington state. The town serves approximately 211 residents in Adams County. The town has an ongoing commitment and goal to upgrade infrastructure and technology to best serve the town residents.
The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington. This agreement allowed for the Centralia plant to move away from coal-fired operations with one unit retiring in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025. TransAlta is investing $55 million in Lewis and South Thurston counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
About Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.