An Update on Avista’s Integrated Resource Plan

In Oregon, utilities are required to file Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) every two years. These plans must detail how companies intend to meet their resource needs in a least-cost/least-risk manner over upcoming 20-year periods.  The Commission “acknowledges” resource plans that satisfy conditions that seem reasonable at the time.  Such acknowledgment should not be seen as preapproval of the prudency, or good judgment, of any specific capital investment.  Acknowledgment does, however, give the utilities some measure of comfort as they move forward with their planning, as… Full Post >>

Your Chance to Speak Out About Pacific Power’s Proposed Rate Increase

Within weeks of Pacific Power’s 2012 General Rate Case (GRC) ending, Pacific Power filed again for yet another rate increase.  On March 1, 2013, Pacific Power filed for a 3% rate increase for residential customers effective January 2014 and then again later in 2014 for an additional 1.8%. In effect, the company is asking for a series of 4 general rate increases to take effect in a period of only 2 years (2013 and 2014). While the small increase that hit… Full Post >>

It’s Not Too Late to Tell the Commissioners You Care!

Last night, PGE customers arrived at Jefferson High School in North Portland with signs and prepared speeches to express their opposition to PGE’s proposed rate increase.  Oregon Public Utility Commissioners Savage, Ackerman, and Bloom listened to the diverse group which included PSU and PCC students, representatives from the Western Farm Workers Association and other seasonal worker groups, small business interests, faith groups, and CUB’s own Board Member Fred Heutte. Opponents to the residential rate increase expressed their concern for low-income PGE customers… Full Post >>

Efficiency Exchange Northwest Comes to Portland

Every year, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Bonneville Power Administration each host a conference that focuses on new developments in the utility and energy fields. But much like chocolate and peanut butter, some things are just better together: this year NEEA and BPA are combining to present Efficiency Exchange Northwest, a summit built around learning and sharing information in the energy industry, right here in Portland.

You can visit the website for more information at http://www.efficiencyexchangenw.com/. The three day… Full Post >>

Energy Efficiency 101

Reducing energy consumption can help our utilities avoid using their most inefficient and dirty fossil fuel power plants, balance load, and ultimately avoid building new power plants altogether. Doing all of these things helps to keep rates low for customers, and consuming less energy means immediate incentives for participants through lower utility bills. With new smart grid enabled technologies, there are a variety of high tech solutions that can help us manage our energy use. Yet even with all the technological innovation taking place in this sector, energy efficiency… Full Post >>

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