Celebrating CUB Victories in 2020: CUB Secured Utility Customer Savings, Funding for Rural Broadband and More

In a year with so many challenges, it can be hard to celebrate successes. But Oregon utility consumers have benefited from the advocacy work of CUB’s staff in 2020, and we want to share those victories. You can find a full list of CUB’s accomplishments here. Now, though, we highlight the economic benefits of CUB’s work in a year of economic downturn.

In 2020, CUB staff worked to save residential utility customers millions of dollars and add millions more in critical programs. This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our members, so thank you. As we celebrate our successes, consider starting or renewing your CUB membership today.

At the Oregon legislature, CUB helped secure:

• $3.5 million more for telecommunications bill assistance through 2020 by allocation of federal COVID-19 relief dollars
• $5 million annually for new high-speed internet service infrastructure and grants for rural Oregon communities with the Rural Broadband Bill (SB 1603)

At the Oregon Public Utility Commission, CUB helped secure:

• $25.6 million in savings for NW Natural customers in rate case negotiations
• $50 million in investments by Ziply Fiber for improving and expanding fiber-based internet infrastructure in its Oregon service territory

More details:

$3.5 million more for telecommunications bill assistance
When COVID-19 hit Oregon, CUB acted quickly by proposing additional resources to the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP). OTAP helps low-income Oregon households pay for their phone or broadband internet service from traditional utilities like CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber (formerly Frontier and NW Fiber, respectively), as well as certain wireless providers. On June 5, the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board unanimously approved CUB’s proposal to allocate 3.5 million federal COVID-19 relief dollars to boost OTAP through the end of 2020.

$5 million annually for new high-speed internet service infrastructure and grants for rural Oregon communities
In the summer special session, the Oregon Legislature passed the CUB supported SB 1603, the Rural Telecommunications Investment Act, that ensures sustainable funding of up to $5 million a year for new high-speed internet service infrastructure and grants for rural Oregon communities. This bill also resolved a longstanding fairness issue by ending a wireless industry exemption that was unfair to landline customers and lowered a surcharge rate for all voice customers.

$25.6 million in savings for NW Natural customers in rate negotiations
NW Natural Gas, Oregon’s largest natural gas provider, sought an 11.5 percent rate increase in 2020. After much negotiation and CUB pushback, the company agreed to a 7.37 percent increase, saving customers nearly $25.6 million. CUB commends NW Natural for working in good faith to reduce its rate increase in light of the economic turmoil brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

$50 million in investments by Ziply Fiber for improving and expanding fiber-based internet infrastructure in its Oregon service territory
In a process that wrapped up in early 2020, Frontier Communications agreed to sell its northwest assets to newly formed NW Fiber. (NW Fiber now operates as Ziply Fiber, but during the merger negotiations with Frontier, CUB was dealing with NW Fiber so that is the label used here). CUB worked diligently to secure NW Fiber’s commitment to invest in Oregon communities and customers outside of the Portland Metro Area. NW Fiber must ensure that at least 60 percent of all service locations have access to high-speed fiber-based broadband infrastructure (1 gigabit symmetrical service) within the first five years. The agreement also includes NW Fiber investing $50 million in improving and expanding fiber-based internet infrastructure. At least $10 million will be spent outside of the Portland Metro Area within five years, with $5 million spent within three years. Another $40 million must be invested across Oregon, with $20 million spent within three years. This agreement represents a significant step toward narrowing Oregon’s digital divide for customers outside the Portland Metro Area.

Next year, we will continue to fight for utility regulations and policies to protect your wallet and the environment. With Oregonians continuing to struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic, this work is more important than ever. CUB will work to save utility customers money and advocate for much needed programs that help keep families afloat.

This work cannot happen without the backing of our members. To do even more in 2021, we are asking for you to donate to become a member before the end of the year for $5 or more.

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