CUB Watches Out for Consumers in the Legislature
Posted on March 14, 2013 by Jeff Bissonnette
Tags, Legislative & Political
Last month, the 2013 session of the Oregon legislature started with a bang and CUB was there to make sure that utility ratepayers are protected. Energy and utility issues always get a lot of attention in the Capitol. 2013 is no exception. As usual, CUB has a long list of issue “to-do’s.” Here’s a sample of what we’re working on:
Fixing the Emissions Performance Standard (SB 242): Back in 2009, CUB and other public interest groups took the lead in creating an “emissions performance standard” restricting utilities from building more coal plants or taking on more long-term coal contracts. Everyone involved in developing the bill – including the utilities – intended the standard to apply to both in-state and imported energy. But over the years, we’ve discovered that we cannot apply the law to out-of-state sources as we intended. Since much of Oregon’s energy comes from out of state coal fired plants, we’re now working with both environmental groups and utilities to pass a fix that ensures the policy we adopted in 2009 protects both consumers and the environment and accomplishes it’s original goal.
Appliance Efficiency Standards (SB 692): CUB has long supported making energy efficiency investments. Although energy efficiency is currently the cheapest way to acquire energy, there’s a way to make it even cheaper: ensure that the energy-gobbling appliances we use in our homes and businesses use a little energy as possible by setting standards that all appliances sold in Oregon must meet. CUB is pushing a bill that would set such standards for battery chargers, plumbing fixtures, a specific type of outdoor lighting and televisions. SB 692 had its first hearing in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee on March 11 and we hope the bill goes for a Senate vote by the end of March. The Oregonian had a short article on the hearing you can read here.
Solar Issues: It’s important to develop cleaner energy sources while balancing the impact on ratepayers. CUB is deeply involved in strengthening Oregon’s net metering policy, which allows customers to offset some of their energy usage when they generate their own, usually through installing solar panels. We are also working with a wide range of stakeholders to determine what will follow the current “feed-in tariff” pilot project when it ends in 2015.
Defending Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard: CUB was a leader in passing what is known as the “25 by ’25” standard which requires Oregon’s utilities to meet at least 25 percent of their energy needs from renewable resources by 2025. There are several proposals that would weaken that standard and discourage the development of renewable resources. CUB believes Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) is a well-balanced policy that pushes renewable energy at a reasonable cost and should not be weaken.
There’s a long way to go til the end of the session and CUB will be there for you. Stay tuned for more updates and action alerts on our e-newsletter, blog and website. At the heart of CUB’s legislative successes are our members who stand up for ratepayers by sending e-mails and making phone calls to their legislators. To support CUB’s legislative efforts, considering becoming a CUB member or by renewing your membership here.
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03/31/17 | 0 Comments | CUB Watches Out for Consumers in the Legislature