The Transformer – June 11, 2008

Vol. 5, No. 3 When big money talks, it pays to listen: Financiers cast critical eye on coal plant proposals Background This February, a press release from four of the country’s largest financial institutions caught utilities’ attention. Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Chase and Bank of America announced they had endorsed a set of carbon principles to…

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NW Energy Coalition Resolution on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Principles – March 20, 2008

FINAL RESOLUTION NW Energy Coalition Resolution on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Principles October 2007, Section G approved by Executive Board March 20, 2008 Whereas there is scientific consensus that the planet is heating due to the accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere, and Whereas the overwhelming portion of the increase…

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The Transformer – February 25, 2008

Points and counterpoints on decoupling Transformer Background Our Nov. 28 Transformer on decoupling, a strategy for overcoming potential revenue losses for utilities that invest in energy efficiency, elicited a flurry of electronic responses. Several writers were complimentary; others sought clarifications of insider terminology (we’ll keep working on that!) or additional information, which we supplied them…

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The Transformer – February 6, 2008

Size matters ‘Mega’ wind farms could make new transmission practical Background The number and size of new and projected Northwest wind farms have exploded, matching the worldwide annual growth rate of 37-percent for the past seven years. Wind, however, continues to provide just a small fraction of the region’s power. To really combat global warming…

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The Transformer – November 28, 2007

Volume 4, Number 8 Decoupling 101: Breaking the link between energy sales and utility revenue Background Who doesn’t love conservation? We all know that more efficient energy use is the cheapest and cleanest resource going. The recognition that “the cheapest kilowatt is the one we don’t use” hardly qualifies as a “Eureka!” moment any more.…

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The Transformer: Update – November 19, 2007

Volume 4, Number 7.5 – Special Update OPUC staff follows Coalition advice, gives resounding ‘No’ to new coal plants Background A recent Transformer (“PacifiCorp’s Dilemma,” Oct. 29, 2007) described multi-state utility PacifiCorp’s proposed integrated resource plan (IRP) and detailed clean-energy advocates’ critique of the plan’s call for two new coal-fired power plants. Now, Oregon Public…

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Energy Activist – Winter 2007

NW Energy Coalition’s 25th Anniversary

Fresh off some of its greatest victories, the NW Energy Coalition charges into its second quarter century.

Coalition stalwarts recall the personalities, the battles, the joys and accomplishments in 25 years of fighting for a clean energy future.

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The Transformer – October 29, 2007

Volume 4, Number 7 PacifiCorp’s dilemma Background PacifiCorp is a large investor-owned utility serving portions of six states: Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, California, Washington and Idaho. In the not-to-distant past, NW Energy Coalition and other clean-energy advocacy groups commended PacifiCorp’s foresight in assessing the cost of carbon emissions while compiling its 2004 integrated resource plan (IRP)…

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