CUB’s Super S/Heroes share: Why CUB Matters
Posted on November 8, 2017 by Samuel Pastrick
Tags, General Interest
As the Development and Communications Director at CUB I have had the privilege to be part of the powerful work that we do. Often, when I try to describe it, I am tongue-tied because, as one board member recently said to me, “CUB does obscure stuff that is REALLY important.”
Obscure, as in, our work is down in the weeds of economic modeling and energy law. For example, in order for us to win important consumer rights and protections, our economists must take apart the utilities’ economic models and figure out if we agree with their assumptions or if perhaps those assumptions are inaccurate. See what I mean? Kinda obscure.
We are starting a month of communications about Why CUB Matters in hopes that you will read these messages and be encouraged to join the team as part of our #GivingTuesday Campaign – A Month of What Matters. Last week I compared the Utilities to a Zombie Apocalypse and so this week I would like to highlight the Super S/Heroes that do this obscure work.
Super S/Hero Staff Attorney – Mike Goetz:
“I think CUB matters because what we do is incredibly important to advancing a fair, reliable, affordable, and clean energy system in the Pacific Northwest. Our region has long been a leader in progressive energy policy, and it is really satisfying to be part of an organization that is continuing to push the envelope. The world really is entering a new era of increasing renewables, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and a transition from coal and carbon. I am proud that CUB is always trying to find balance to keep Oregon on the right path; working to make sound policy decisions that protect both ratepayers and the climate.”
Super S/Hero Paralegal & Office Manager – Sarah Ryan-Knox
“I believe human activity is overloading our atmosphere with carbon dioxide and other global warming emissions, which trap heat and are leading to catastrophic changes in the earth’s climate.
When I think about the idea that extracting these fuels out of the ground turns people’s backyards and treasured wild places into industrial zones, and burning them causes climate change as well as contributes to asthma, heart disease, and cancer I am really frightened.
I love that CUB fought (and won) to eliminate coal from Oregon’s energy mix and increase new renewable energy resources like wind and solar power to reach 50% by 2040. Renewables are reasonably priced and can generate electricity with little or no pollution and global warming emissions.”
Super S/Hero Economist – Will Gehrke
“I think CUB matters because our work helps ensure monopolistic competition, which is important because American utilities are set up as monopolies. Without intervention, utilities could raise rates and take risks that would hurt consumers. As CUB’s economic analyst I get to look at the numbers and make sure that customers’ interests are represented in the regulatory process.”
Super S/Hero Staff Attorney – Liz Jones
“CUB matters because residential utility customers need an advocate for their best interests. Maybe the best way to appreciate the importance of CUB is to imagine an alternative world without it. A monopoly utility could seek rate increases, add millions of dollars in carbon emitting generation, and sell private customer information, if there were no CUB to vehemently oppose such actions with reasoned economic, legal, and policy arguments. It is so rewarding to be part of CUB and to help provide the expertise and advocacy to ensure that Oregon residential customers get the kind of utility service they want: affordable, accessible, reliable, and clean. That’s no easy task. CUB just makes it look that way.”
Super S/Hero Consumer Advocate – Sam Pastrick
“I believe that Oregon has been, is currently, and will continue to serve as a national policy leader on many fronts - but especially when it comes to innovative utility (energy and telecommunications) regulation, climate policy, and consumer protections. CUB has a lot to do with this because of our persistent work to bring a diversity of stakeholders to the table to find smart solutions that work well for the majority of Oregonians. This brand of state-level policy leadership is hugely important because in the absence of federal leadership, Oregon signals a compromise approach to policy making. With greater compromise comes meaningful progress, and we continue to see that in policy areas that matter most.”
And in Closing…
If you take nothing else away from our thoughts today I hope you have learned that these Super S/Heroes (along with the rest of our Super-Duper staff) save consumers (like you and me) literally millions of dollars every year.
And just as importantly, in the 30+ years that we have been doing this work we have found that the best way to save you money is also the best way to protect the environment. Yep, our work shows that renewable energy and energy efficiency are both least cost and, over the long term, the least risk to consumers.
Our Super S/Heroes are able to fight (and win) against the Utility Zombie Apocalypse because they get their strength from your support. And you can become part of our extra-ordinary team by joining/donating to CUB as part of our #Giving Tuesday Campaign. Your gift will make sure that CUB will continue to matter.
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09/05/22 | 0 Comments | CUB’s Super S/Heroes share: Why CUB Matters