2022 CUB Annual Report
Posted on December 6, 2022 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, General Interest
We want to hear how you relate to CUB, our work, and Oregon utilities. This survey will help CUB prioritize our work for next year and better understand our supporters’ views and experiences.
If you would like to share additional thoughts or learn more about CUB’s work, please contact CUB’s Outreach Manager, Charlotte, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503-719-8744.
2022 Annual Report
Keeping Your Utilities Affordable…
CUB Fights Historic Bill Increases
This year, CUB advocated for the people of Oregon in four major cases. The state’s largest energy utilities asked to raise customers’ bills at historic levels.
Overall, CUB’s work saved Oregon customers $298,548,287 million this year.
For NW Natural customers, we successfully prevented customers paying for executive bonuses, more advertising, increased profit margins, and subsidies to expand the gas system. For Portland General Electric customers, we slashed $80 million off the requested increase. CUB’s advocacy also lowered rates for Avista gas customers.
CUB Helps Shape Low-Income Energy Bill Discount Programs
Oregon households can now find some relief through monthly bill discounts from their energy utilities. These new bill discounts came out of the 2021 Energy Affordability Act, a major CUB priority last year. This year, CUB worked with regulators, utilities, and community organizations to make these programs a reality.
Now, qualified customers can receive anywhere from 15% to 90% off their monthly bills depending on the utility. Making bills more affordable not only saves money, but also helps keep families connected to vital energy services.
The discount programs are now available for households at or below 60% state median income (SMI) who are served by a regulated utility. Customers will be able to sign up via an online application, calling into the utility, or visiting their local Community Action Agency.
Keeping Your Utilities Accessible…
CUB Advocates for Expanding Rural Broadband Internet Access
During this year’s state legislative session, CUB successfully advocated for the new Oregon Broadband Bill.
This law helps Oregon receive federal funds to invest in broadband infrastructure across the state. It also expands established a fund for libraries providing internet access and expands bill assistance funds.
With this law, Oregon is creating plans for digital equity and new investments across the state. These plans focus on communities’ needs to close the digital divide. By focusing on equity, the state will have better access to critical broadband infrastructure. Soon, more Oregonians will be able to reliably connect to the internet where they live and work.
Keeping Your Utilities Reliable…
CUB Works to Prevent Energy Shutoffs
In the last year, CUB has made great progress in preventing energy shutoffs for people in Oregon. Disconnections are more than just if a household can afford to pay their bills. CUB has worked to remove unnecessary barriers to keep people connected.
Advocating for changing regulations around shutoffs for customers of for-profit utilities will protect those most vulnerable to losing power. This includes ending late payment charges, reconnection fees, and deposits for low-income customers, as well as preventing shutoffs for those with health risks.
Eliminating deposits for new customers helps lower the initial cost of energy service for many people. CUB has successfully reached agreements with PGE, NW Natural, and Cascade Gas.
Limiting winter gas bill increases for NW Natural customers this winter means that households can avoid the shock of the skyrocketing cost of gas when they need their heat the most.
Keeping Your Utilities Clean…
CUB Joins State-wide Task Force for Energy Efficient Buildings
This year, CUB joined a state-wide task force to create new legislation to make Oregon buildings more energy efficient. Buildings are the second largest and longest-lasting source of climate pollution in Oregon. More efficient buildings mean lower energy bills now and less pollution for future generations.
In February, CUB helped pass a new law to create the Resilient Energy Efficient Building (REBuilding) Task Force. The Task Force has examined building greenhouse gas reduction policies, including building codes. Now, it is recommending policies for 2023 to make new and existing buildings more climate friendly.
CUB by the Numbers
648:
Comments submitted by CUB supporters to decision makers in 2022
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CUB supported bills passed in the Oregon Legislature in 2022
Support CUB
With 2022 coming to a close, we have a lot to be proud of this year. From historic requests from utilities to increase energy bill to expanding rural broadband, CUB staff has been there for your interests.
We rely on the support from people like you to fight for consumer protections for the people in Oregon. Donate today to help us make Oregon utilities affordable, accessible, reliable, and clean! Stay tuned for what we’re planning in 2023…
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12/19/22 | 0 Comments | 2022 CUB Annual Report