In victory for clean energy development, court upholds transmission planning order

In a major win for clean energy development, a U.S. Court of Appeals panel this summer unanimously upheld a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directive aimed at modernizing transmission planning around the country. The decision gives strong support to the contention that utility-by-utility transmission planning is not enough, because energy resources and transmission lines are already widely shared across the power grid. Regional planning is needed to capture important benefits for clean energy, the environment and consumers.

Read More

NW Energy Coalition conference to feature consumer protection panel

Please join us for the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference Nov. 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland, Ore. Top energy experts from across the Northwest will address some of the region’s most pressing energy issues. The consumer protection at the grid edge panel will look at safeguarding home and business owners’ off-grid energy investments and preventing potential rate and bill increases for customers – especially low-income families – who remain on the grid.

Read More

Nuclear in the age of climate change brown bag discussion

On October 6, 2014 the NW Energy Coalition hosted a brown bag lunch featuring nuclear power expert Ed Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists.   Dr. Lyman is the co-author of the recent book, Fukushima: The Story of a Nuclear Disaster (New Press). His work has focused on critical nuclear issues such as civilian and…

Read More

New federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings

In the past five years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cranked out federal appliance and equipment standards that by 2029 will produce almost 800 average megawatts of Northwest energy savings that will greatly help the region achieve the savings goals of current regional power plan, according to preliminary analyses by the Bonneville Power Administration and Northwest Power and Conservation Council. These standards have tremendous success in creating significant energy savings at the lowest possible costs.

Read More

NW Energy Coalition seeks policy director

The Policy Director is a senior level position responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a four-state policy agenda based on the goals of the Coalition. The work focuses on regional and state policy (regulatory and legislative) and utility proceedings and includes working with industry experts, building coalitions and educating stakeholders.

Read More

NW Energy Coalition announces new executive director

The NW Energy Coalition executive board is proud to announce that nationally admired energy policy authority Nancy Hirsh will succeed Sara Patton as Coalition executive director, effective in January. Hirsh has been Coalition policy director for 18 years. She’s left her personal imprint on such critical accomplishments as increasingly energy efficiency-focused regional power plans, agreements to end coal-fired power generation in Washington and Oregon once and for all, and the region’s landmark renewable energy and energy efficiency standard: Washington’s I-937.

Read More

Join us for the NW Energy Coalition conference and gala!

Join us at the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference and the Founding the Future Gala Nov. 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland. The conference will address critical issues including the best ways to replace aging fossil-fuel generation, regulating off-grid energy services and the Columbia River Treaty’s effect on future hydro generation. At the gala, Clean energy supporters will enjoy a delicious plated dinner, drinks and great conversation while honoring the many Coalition founders and welcoming tomorrow’s leaders. Register today!

Read More