Alcoa has 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 as previously announced by the company.

The amendment to the power contract is effective July 1, 2016 through Feb. 14, 2018 and provides for additional access to market power during this period.

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.

Intalco Works, located in Washington State, has a capacity of 279,000 metric tons per year.