CUB Prowls the Halls of Congress

It’s not unusual to find CUB in Salem protecting ratepayers’ rights, but it’s not every day that we can be found in Washington, D.C., raising utility consumer interest concerns to members of Congress.

Last week, CUB Organizing Director Jeff Bissonnette was in the nation’s capitol attending the Consumer Federation of America’s annual Consumer Assembly. The event brings together consumer advocates from all over the country to discuss a broad range of consumer protection issues, ranging from banking and insurance to housing and, yes, to energy and telecommunications. It’s a chance to hear about what’s happening in other states and share what Oregon is doing in terms of progressive utility policy.

It’s also an opportunity to make “Hill visits,” meetings with Congressional staff people who deal with energy, telecommunications and other utility issues that are being considered by both the U.S. House and Senate. These meetings are important in building relationships with the Oregon congressional delegations, raising concerns about current issues and, where appropriate, thanking a Congressional member for past support on crucial issues.

Jeff was able to meet with six of the seven offices of the Oregon delegation (one congressional energy and utilities staff person was actually spending the week back in Oregon). During these meetings, Jeff discussed a variety of topics that affect Oregon utility ratepayers. Our highlights included concerns about the Bush Administration’s proposal to increase the rates of the Bonneville Power Administration; the need for increased federal funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program; the dangers to consumers and communities from pending national legislation being pushed by the telecommunications industry; and going over potential items of a Clean Energy Agenda being crafted by CUB and others in preparation for the next session of the Oregon legislature. This last item is very important because, as one staffer pointed out, “We need to know what’s happening on the home front so we can support policies in Congress that help Oregon continue to be a national leader on clean energy issues.”

In addition to the issues Jeff raises with the Congressional offices, staff members also ask questions about CUB’s positions and viewpoints on other issues, including the sale of PacifiCorp to MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, future carbon regulation in energy production, and the need for increased consumer representation at the proceedings of federal regulatory agencies.

A key reason CUB gets so much attention and respect, both in Salem and in Washington, D.C., is our members. Jeff can tell each legislator how many members CUB has in their district. Furthermore, most legislators and their staff know how willing CUB members are to raise important issues through letters, emails, phone calls and local town hall meetings. Therefore, CUB has a powerful combination of solid policy development and the grassroots clout to back it up.

If you’re interested in helping keep CUB’s influence felt both in Washington, D.C. and closer to home, join the new CUB Action Network (members CAN).

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