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July 11, 2005

Oregon House Passes SB 671 -- CUB Hopes for Governor's Veto

The Oregon House of Representatives voted late yesterday to pass the business-backed proposal to turn PGE into a "hybrid" utility, the first of its kind. CUB has expressed concern about the bill over the past few months, due in large part to the backers' inability or unwillingness to answer detailed questions about what input customers would truly have over what is being called (see quote below) a "customer-owned utility."

Dozens of CUB members responded to our requests last week for messages and calls to their Representatives in the House and to Governor Kulongoski. Well, as they say, it ain't over yet. Keep those calls flowing to the Governor -- we think a veto is still well within reach. But he needs to know people are watching this issue! Governor Kulongoski can be reached at (503) 378-4582 or Write the Governor.

We aren't the only consumer advocacy group up in arms about this bill. OSPIRG is also weighing in, and we're glad to have them fighting alongside us on this issue. (See OSPIRG's blog entry here.)

PGE bill on way to governor: Legislation designed to help business interests buy PGE and convert it to a hybrid public-private utility passes the House

Oregonian, Monday, July 11, 2005

SALEM -- With legislative leaders continuing to negotiate a final budget deal, the Oregon House met Sunday evening to approve a short list of bills, including one that could aid the conversion of Portland General Electric to a consumer-owned utility...

In its first floor session in four days, the House's most significant vote was to approve Senate Bill 671, which would set up a financing method for a group of investors to buy PGE and convert it to a customer-owned utility...

House members expressed reservations about the financing method, saying they worried it could increase PGE customers' rates. They also noted that a variety of consumer and industry groups opposed the legislation.

"SB671 is risky business, and I ask you not to gamble with Oregon's future," said Rep. Chip Shields, D-Portland.

Kudos to Rep. Shields for recognizing a risk when he sees one. We sincerely hope the Governor is also looking at the details of this deal.

Posted by Oregon CUB at July 11, 2005 11:35 AM

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