CUB’s Top Priorities: Advocating for Consumers in 2023
Posted on January 10, 2023 by Bob Jenks and Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy, Telecommunications, General Interest
Although 2023 is just starting, CUB staff is already hard at work. This year, we’re tackling major issues facing Oregonians’ utility needs: fighting increasing energy bills, pushing for more energy-efficient buildings, and working to create a just clean energy future.
Take a look at CUB’s top priorities for 2023!
CUB’s Top Priorities: Advocating for Consumers in 2023
Energy Efficiency in Buildings: New Legislative Opportunities
Buildings are the second largest and longest-lasting source of climate pollution in Oregon. In 2023, the stars are aligning to create a huge opportunity to make our homes and buildings more efficient, more affordable, and more comfortable. The federal government is offering significant new tax credits (and subsidies for low- and moderate-income households) for energy efficiency investments like heat pumps. Oregon’s state government is also taking a hard look at new laws to support more energy-efficient buildings.
The Oregon Legislature’s task force on building efficiency is recommending ambitious new state programs to support heat pumps and other building efficiency measures. CUB is working to establish strong state programs and to align those programs with federal policy. We want to ensure that Oregon households can significantly lower their energy bills while making our homes more comfortable.
Fighting Energy Bill Increases
Rates for natural gas and electricity increased in 2022 on top of big increases in natural gas in 2021. CUB is concerned that utilities will continue to propose big increases in 2023.
Both gas and electric utilities have gotten approval for an increasing number of mechanisms that allow them to “track in” cost increases on an expedited basis. A priority for CUB is to push back on rate hikes and work to ensure that energy bills are affordable.
Supporting Utility Programs and Protections for Low-Income Households
Last year, CUB worked with a variety of community groups to establish discounted rates for low-income customers. These were designed to be temporary programs while a new permanent program was developed.
This year, CUB will be working with low-income and community groups to develop permanent programs that ensure that all Oregon households can afford to heat and cool their homes.
Clean Energy Transition: Electricity
Responding to climate change requires a move to clean energy. For electric utilities, this means closing coal plants and investing in renewable resources. These will be guided by their new Clean Energy Planning process, a new requirement in 2023.
CUB will be heavily engaged in this clean energy planning to ensure that the switch to clean energy keeps bills affordable and reflects community concerns.
Clean Energy Transition: Natural Gas (Methane)
Gas utilities have a problem. They are required to significantly reduce emissions under the Oregon Climate Protection Program. But gas utilities’ plans are based on unrealistic assumptions. Their goals to expand their businesses fly in the face of a national policy of supporting heat pumps and other technology which use clean electricity to replace fossil fuels in homes.
CUB will be reviewing the plans of gas utilities to ensure that customers are protected, not business interests.
Keep Up to Date on Major Utility Issues That Affect You!
These priorities are just a few of the issues that CUB will be advocating for this year. We will also continue working on increasing broadband internet throughout the state this legislative session. As other important utility issues unfold, CUB will be there to protect your wallet – and the environment. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.
As the year continues, our team will be working hard to make sure that utilities work for the people in Oregon. Consider supporting our work with a donation!
To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
01/10/23 | 0 Comments | CUB’s Top Priorities: Advocating for Consumers in 2023