Beyond Policy: CUB 2024 Staff Picks
Posted on November 26, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, General Interest
CUB staff worked hard to break down utility policy in blogs this year, making utilities more accessible to everyday people. Today, we’re excited to share our staff’s favorite blogs of 2024.
2024 Staff Picks
Myth Busting: Why Clean Energy Is Not Making Energy More Expensive
This year, CUB was asked if the big rate hikes we have received are due to Oregon’s clean energy mandates. The simple answer is no. There is little evidence to suggest that Oregon customers would have lower rates without requirements that utilities invest in clean energy and phase out fossil fuels.
Is Oregon Utility Regulation Part of the Problem?
Oregon’s utility customers faced rising bills in 2024 and how we regulate utilities was part of the problem. Regulators are currently looking at the utility costs related to a single issue rather than viewing rate hikes holistically and looking at the overall affordability to customers. CUB advocates worked hard this year to create lasting change and protect customers from more bill increases.
Shut-Offs Surge While Profits Soar
PGE’s January 2024 rate hike had lasting impacts on Oregon households. In April, power shut-offs soared, reaching the highest monthly level since public reporting began in 2018. Meanwhile, PGE’s shareholder profits increased in the first quarter of the year and PGE asked for yet another rate hike. CUB called for the rate hike to be dismissed.
NW Natural Massively Overspent on Expanding Its System
NW Natural asked regulators to raise rates by 18% for residential customers this year while once again attempting to expand subsidies to grow its system. CUB dug into the utility’s request and found that NW Natural already massively overspent on trying to expand the gas system.
Michelle Scala’s 2024 Consumer Champion Speech
At our 14th annual policy conference, CUB gave Michelle Scala the Consumer Champion Award. Michelle Scala is the Manager of Regulatory Strategy at the Oregon Public Utility Commission. Michelle gave a thrilling speech when she accepted her award. Prepare to be inspired!
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12/09/24 | 0 Comments | Beyond Policy: CUB 2024 Staff Picks