Reader’s Choice: Most Read CUB Blogs of 2023
Posted on December 21, 2023 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, Telecommunications, Conference & Events, General Interest
Gas Myth: All Gas Appliances Work in Power Outages
Many households depend on natural gas for their heating, hot water, and cooking. But do you know which of your appliances will keep working if the electricity goes out? The answer may surprise you!
My Experience Switching to a Heat Pump Water Heater
Energy efficiency saves money, reduces emissions, and has been a major focus of CUB’s work since 1984. A CUB staff member outlines his experiences switching to a heat pump water heater in this blog. Heat pump water heaters warm water by pulling heat from the surrounding air, rather than relying on electric heat.
“What’s the RUB?” Utility Billing and Renters’ Rights
A friend of CUB came to us with a problem: She has been renting a duplex in east Portland for many years and has paid a flat fee to her landlord to cover her electricity bill. However, when she renewed her lease, the new agreement had her pay using a RUBS (Ratio Utility Based System), and suddenly her monthly utility costs were much higher! Fortunately, she knew to reach out to her friends at CUB for answers.
My Experience Switching to an Electric Heat Pump
Building electrification is considered vital in a clean energy world. It essentially means heating and cooling your home using electric heat pumps. A CUB staff member replaced her old gas furnace and central air conditioner with a ducted electric heat pump and decided to share the experience here on the CUB Blog.
Staff Picks
26% Renewable Energy? No Longer Unthinkable
CUB has pushed for clean, renewable electricity for decades. While we may not have always been in the majority, we were on the right side of history. Executive Director, Bob Jenks, reflects on our progress when the US Energy Information Administration published its forecast of energy supply and projected that renewables would supply 26% of our electricity in 2024.
Pacific Power Responsible for Wildfire Damages, Not Customers
This summer’s court decision found Pacific Power liable for damages related to the 2020 Labor Day fires. The jury looked at the evidence and found that Pacific Power’s conduct was reckless. These are troubling findings for Oregon’s second-largest electric utility.
NW Natural Has Not Shown it Can Meet Climate Regulations
Oregon is moving forward in reducing climate pollution from our energy systems. Utilities need clear plans to show how they will meet regulations without skyrocketing costs for customers. NW Natural has failed to meet both of these expectations.
2023 Legislative Session In Review
The 2023 Legislative session ended on June 25th, with crucial bills making it to the Governor’s desk in the nick of time. The passage of these bills happened largely due to the hard work of everyday Oregonians, pushing for their voices to be heard by their lawmakers. Here at CUB, we advocated for the passage of bills that will directly help Oregon utility customers.
Electrification Can Save Gas Customers Money
Oregon’s utilities need to clean up their system to meet state climate regulations. CUB’s analysis shows that electrification, switching to electricity for many appliances, maybe the best option for most gas customers. And all gas customers benefit when new homes are not connected to the gas system.
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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08/22/24 | 0 Comments | Reader’s Choice: Most Read CUB Blogs of 2023