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Energy Northwest to Cut 60 Jobs at Hanford Nuclear Plant by Associated Press Seattle Times, March 12, 2004

RICHLAND -- Energy Northwest plans to eliminate up to 60 jobs by June 30 at its nuclear-power generating station on the Hanford nuclear reservation.

The cuts at the 1,150-megawatt Columbia Generating Station equal about 5 percent of the company's roughly 1,200-member work force. (bluefish notes: This will equate to one man or woman per megawatt of electricity, not including down time during maintenance and refueling.)

About half of the job cuts will be through planned retirements, normal attrition and vacancies that will not be filled. The rest will be identified from various parts of the company based on operational requirements, employee performance, versatility and length of service. The security force will not be affected.

Energy Northwest had committed to trimming about $5 million from its annual budget, which is expected to be $255.2 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The utility's budget pressure has been heightened by new security upgrades mandated by the federal government, adding unanticipated costs totaling $7.1 million for the next fiscal year.

After planning spending cuts for small construction projects, travel, training and incentive pay, the utility found it necessary to cut payroll, spokesman Brad Peck said yesterday.

Energy Northwest's primary customer is the Bonneville Power Administration, which also has been under pressure to reduce costs and hold the line on its wholesale electric rates.