CUB’s Top Priorities in 2024
Posted on January 9, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, Telecommunications, General Interest
CUB is kicking off the new year by resolving to keep advocating for utility customers like you.
We have big ambitions for 2024 and your support enables CUB to win major victories. Support CUB today to ensure every Oregonian has access to affordable, accessible, reliable, and clean utilities.
This year, we’re taking on critical issues impacting Oregonians. We’ll be pushing back against increasing energy bills. We’ll be working towards a just, clean energy future while expanding wildfire protections. And we’ll continue advocating for quality internet and telephone services for all Oregonians.
CUB’s Top 2024 Priories: Advocating for Customers
Pushing Back Against Energy Bill Increases
Going into 2024, utilities, such as PGE, have already significantly increased energy bills. That’s on top of bill increases from 2023. CUB knows that utilities will continue to propose bill increases that will have major impacts on Oregon households in 2024 and beyond.
CUB is prioritizing pushing back on rate hikes. As always, we’re working to ensure that energy bills are affordable and utilities are accessible for all.
Clean Energy Transition: Electricity
Avoiding the worst impacts of climate change requires moving towards a clean energy future quickly. We need to shift away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy resources for electric utilities. In 2024, electric utilities must show how they’ll make the switch as part of the Clean Energy Planning process.
CUB will be heavily engaged in clean energy planning. Our priority is to ensure that customers’ needs and community concerns are prioritized at all stages of the energy transition.
Clean Energy Transition: Natural Gas (Methane)
Oregon’s gas utilities have a serious problem. Our state’s gas utilities are required to significantly reduce emissions by 2050. However, these companies’ plans to meet reduction requirements are coming up lacking. Their goal to expand the gas business and reduce emissions is unrealistic. This could have major consequences for customers if the transition is not well managed.
CUB has serious concerns about gas utilities’ plans to meet these requirements. In 2024, our staff is pushing back to make sure that customers’ needs, not business interests, are prioritized.
Protection from Wildfires
With climate change-driven extreme weather events becoming more common, wildfires will continue to be a major concern in Oregon. Electric utilities are now required to file a plan each year to lower the risk of utility-caused wildfires. We’ve already seen what happens when a utility is responsible for wildfires. Utilities must be held responsible for preventing destruction and for financial damages for the harm they have already caused.
In 2024, CUB is committed to holding electric utilities accountable for enacting effective plans to prevent wildfires. We will also continue pushing back on Pacific Power’s attempts to avoid financial responsibility for the 2020 fires.
Access to Quality Internet & Phone Services
Oregon needs better broadband internet and landline phone service for rural communities. In some rural towns, customers experience frequent outages. Spotty service can have life-threatening impacts. CUB is concerned that internet and telephone providers aren’t doing enough to provide quality services to customers, especially in rural areas.
In 2024, CUB will continue to prioritize the needs of rural broadband and landline customers. We will work hard to hold internet and telephone companies accountable for providing quality, affordable services in Oregon.
Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues
CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. 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.
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01/10/24 | 1 Comment | CUB’s Top Priorities in 2024