The Council is a unique agency, authorized through the Northwest Power Act, to balance our energy and environment needs. Since 1980, the Council has worked to make energy efficiency the region’s second largest resource while protecting fish and wildlife. Public participation is a cornerstone of our mission. Recognized as a leader in energy efficiency development, the Council received the NW Energy Coalition’s Bob Olsen Memorial Conservation Eagle Award for its Sixth Power Plan and the ACEEE’s Champion of Energy Efficiency in Buildings Award. It also develops one of the largest regional recovery programs in the nation, directing more than $250 million each year to projects to enhance fish and wildlife affected by dams.