This time it’s official, the planned curtailment of smelter operations at Alcoa Intalco Works is no longer in the works.
According to a press release from Alcoa today,
[Alcoa] reached an agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) that will help improve the competitiveness of its Intalco smelter. As a result, the smelter will not curtail at the end of the second quarter.
There had been reports in mid-April of improved pricing for electricity from BPA but the amendment to the Alcoa – BPA pricing agreement had yet to be finalized and officially adopted. Today’s announcement confirms the changes and the result they have on current Intalco operations.
Click for more informationThe Alcoa announcement also stated,
This short-term amendment with BPA, combined with the state of Washington’s $3 million budget proviso for workforce training, are key factors in helping Intalco remain competitive. Alcoa thanks Governor Inslee; its federal delegation led by Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Representatives DelBene and Larsen; the state legislative delegation led by Senators Ranker and Ericksen; and BPA for their support.