This interactive timeline (below) captures the key events and people who have built our electric co-op. Click on any event to read more and find links to photo, video and story galleries for expanded storytelling. Do you have something to add? Can you name the people in a photo or provide an accurate date? Contact us!
OPALCO signed a record 20-year, full-requirement contract with Bonneville Power for supplying power, locking into a tiered rate structure that guaranteed the Co-op its full share of clean hydro-power … Read More
May 2011: A group of OPALCO members form a committee to build a new Green Power Program and M.O.R.E. (Member Owned Renewable Energy) is launched to provide incentives … Read More
OPALCO purchased a Nissan LEAF, a 100% battery-powered, zero-emission electric vehicle for OPALCO business. Electric Vehicle charging stations on San Juan, Lopez and Orcas Island are updated to … Read More
2011- 2012: OPALCO began to study expanding its fiber infrastructure to provide broadband (high-speed Internet) services to its members.
The fiber infrastructure expanded into Eastsound and Lopez Village areas for greater business access to Island Network services.
OPALCO built its own redundant microwave backup system covering Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Bellingham for its fiber infrastructure. Medical centers on Lopez and Orcas Islands subscribed to Island … Read More
After the laying of submarine power cables to the mainland in the 1950s, OPALCO’s old deisel generators fell into disuse. Several were maintained for a few decades as back-up … Read More
