Wasco County solar projects strengthen regional power supply
Avangrid Oregon solar capacity expanded as the company brought 269 megawatts of new utility-scale solar generation into commercial operation in Wasco County, Oregon. As electricity demand accelerates across the Pacific Northwest, the Daybreak Solar and Bakeoven Solar projects now supply new domestic power to Portland General Electric’s grid, reinforcing long-term system reliability and regional energy security.
Specifically, the development includes the 189-megawatt DC Daybreak Solar project and the 80-megawatt DC Bakeoven Solar project. Together, the two facilities represent the first commercial-scale solar projects constructed in Wasco County and significantly increase Oregon’s in-state clean energy supply.
“Completing these two projects marks the latest milestone in a pivotal investment in Wasco County, bringing new jobs, modern infrastructure and a more resilient power grid for Oregon,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangrid, the projects’ developer. “Together with PGE and Intel, we’re delivering a new source of reliable power that will energize Oregon’s communities and industries for decades to come.”
Power delivery aligns with utility sustainability programs
Importantly, the Daybreak and Bakeoven facilities deliver electricity to Portland General Electric through the utility’s Green Future Impact program. This voluntary initiative enables large municipal, commercial and industrial customers to support new clean energy development while advancing sustainability and carbon-reduction objectives.
Through this structure, Intel receives power from the two solar projects as part of its broader renewable electricity strategy. The program directly links new generation capacity with large-load customers that continue to drive regional demand growth.
“By strengthening the energy infrastructure our operations depend on, these projects help meet growing electricity demand, advance Intel’s goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity across our global operations by 2030, and deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits for Wasco County and the broader region,” said Madison West, Global Head of sustainability at Intel. “Daybreak and Bakeoven demonstrate the kind of regional collaboration needed to bring new, utility-scale renewable capacity online – supporting local jobs, improving grid resilience, and helping ensure Oregon is well positioned for future growth.”
Construction activity delivers measurable economic impact
During development, Avangrid installed approximately 650,000 solar panels across the adjacent Daybreak and Bakeoven sites. As construction progressed, the projects supported more than 300 jobs, with local union labor filling most positions.
Over the operational life of the facilities, Avangrid estimates the projects will generate approximately $40 million in tax revenue for local jurisdictions. In addition, the company created several permanent, full-time roles to support long-term operations and maintenance activities. Local officials emphasized how the projects build on the county’s existing energy legacy while supporting new forms of electricity consumption.
“Our region has a history of energy production, and now we are finding other ways to harness our abundant regional resources like the Eastern Oregon sunshine and Columbia Gorge Winds to meet growing demand from the new ways we are using electricity,” said Phil Brady, Wasco County commissioner. “The Daybreak and Bakeoven facilities will help meet our growing demand while contributing to our local economy and supporting our local tax districts such as the Wasco County Library and the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic.”
Beyond power generation, Avangrid incorporated agricultural land management into the projects’ operational model. The company partnered with a fifth-generation Oregon rancher to graze approximately 3,000 sheep across both solar facilities. This approach limits vegetation growth while reducing wildfire risk during the Pacific Northwest’s summer season. Moreover, Avangrid already operates similar solar grazing programs at two other regional solar projects, expanding the practice across its Oregon portfolio.
Broader Oregon footprint underpins long-term strategy
The Daybreak and Bakeoven projects add to Avangrid’s existing presence in Oregon, where the company operates approximately 2.5 gigawatts of total generating capacity. In parallel, Avangrid maintains a corporate office in Portland that supports roughly 375 jobs.
Additionally, in 2024, the company opened its National Training Center in nearby Sherman County, further strengthening its operational and workforce development footprint in the state. As industrial growth, electrification, and digital infrastructure continue to increase electricity demand, Avangrid Oregon solar capacity is positioned to play a central role in supporting grid resilience and future economic expansion.
