Advocating for Utility Consumers in 2022 – CUB Priorities
Posted on January 18, 2022 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy, Telecommunications, General Interest
Here at CUB, we’re gearing up for a very busy year of advocating for utility consumers like you. Already, we’re hard at work preparing for the legislative session, multiple rate cases, and ensuring the utilities comply with the Climate Protection Plan. With the Legislative Session starting in February, we need your support today.
This year is full of opportunities to win stronger consumer protection and make moves toward addressing the climate crisis. We have big ambitions for 2022 but we need your help to win big victories. Sign up for the CUB email list to receive the latest updates on issues that affect your utilities and action alerts for how you can get involved!
CUB Priority Legislation for Oregon
Reach Code Bill: This bill will let local governments set stronger energy codes for new buildings. More efficient new construction will save customers money in the long term (meaning fewer expensive retrofits later!) It will also help local communities meet their climate goals faster.
Oregon Broadband Bill: Oregon needs better broadband internet for rural communities. To improve rural broadband, we need more funding for infrastructure throughout the state. This bill will allow Oregon programs to get more funding for developing rural broadband from the federal infrastructure package.
Keeping Utilities Affordable – 2022 Rate Cases
Protecting NW Natural Customers: This year, CUB is highly concerned about how NW Natural plans to spend customers’ money. The company plans to ask regulators to force customers to pay for executives’ raises. We are also looking into whether customers are paying for lobbying against addressing climate change.
Fair Rates for PGE Customers: PGE asked regulators to increase residential rates by $66 million. At the same time, they plan to lower rates for some industrial customers. CUB is fighting against this proposal.
Keeping Utilities Clean – 2022 Resource Planning
Stop the Risky Rush on Nuclear: Pacific Power wants to move quickly to invest in a new type of nuclear plant that would serve Oregon customers in 2028. CUB is demanding that the company evaluate other alternatives, such as off-shore wind. These alternatives could avoid burdening Oregon customers with the financial risk of new, untested nuclear technology.
Keeping Gas Utilities Accountable: In 2021, the Climate Protection Program was approved, a huge victory for Oregon. Now, gas companies need to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2035. CUB will work closely with gas utilities to make sure they play their part in addressing the climate crisis.
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01/21/22 | 0 Comments | Advocating for Utility Consumers in 2022 – CUB Priorities