Posts by Alicia Healey
Northwest Power and Conservation Council and other planners systematically underestimate efficiency savings from new products
Regional energy efficiency achievements have far exceeded power planners’ expectations for the past 15 years. Better-than-expected savings sound great for consumers and the environment … and they are. But underestimating future efficiency savings can lead to false conclusions about the need for new power plants, resulting in unnecessary expenses that raise consumers’ bills.
Read MoreNWEC fall conference site's eco features
This December, the NW Energy Coalition presents the 2015 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference and Awards Gala at the fantastic and eco-friendly Conference Center at the Washington State Convention Center. The Conference Center reflects the ecologically-conscious values of Coalition members and allies, and we think it’s the perfect place to tackle our region’s most pressing energy issues.
Read MoreFall 2015 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference and Awards Gala Post
Coalition honors I-937 architect with Headwaters Award
Former Coalition senior policy associate Danielle Dixon (left) receives the Headwaters Award from Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh. The Headwaters is awarded annually to a member the NWEC’s extended family to recognize exceptional leadership for the a clean and affordable energy future.
Read MoreAnnouncing our Fall 2015 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference keynote speaker: Dr. Nancy E. Ryan
Dr. Ryan will tell us how vehicle electrification can advance our clean energy future and howe to realize the promised benefits of reduced emissions and greater energy efficiency. An economist with more than two decades of experience, she previously held high-level appointed positions at the California Public Utilities Commission, guiding development of policies in electric transportation, renewable energy, smart grid, energy storage, and long-term planning and procurement.
Read MoreSend us your nominees for the annual 4 Under Forty honors!
Join us December 3 to celebrate our 4 Under Forty honorees during our Awards Gala. Know an up and coming energy leader that is working to ensure a clean and affordable energy future? Nominate them today! Deadline for submissions is Oct. 9, 2015.
Read MoreElectric utilities are meeting renewable energy targets at a lower cost
Costs for meeting the state’s renewable energy targets are going down for all three of Washington’s investor-owned electric companies. The companies told the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) they are on track to meet the state’s renewable energy requirements, and are reporting lower costs to meet those requirements.
Read MoreACEEE awards reflect region’s energy efficiency commitment
Northwest leadership shines bright in the Champion of Energy Efficiency in Industry Awards just announced by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Two of the four recipients hail from our region: J.R. Simplot Co. corporate energy director Don Sturtevant and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Read More2015 legislative sessions challenging for Northwest clean energy advocates
Progress on clean and affordable energy met strong head winds in this year’s Northwest state legislatures. But we prevailed against yet more attempts to weaken or undo Washington renewable energy and energy efficiency standards law, Oregon’s public purpose charge and Montana’s renewable portfolio standard.
Read MoreCoalition efforts help put less coal, more efficiency in PacifiCorp's plan
For the past several years, NW Energy Coalition policy staff have participated actively in PacifiCorp’s resource planning process. Our twin goals: increasing the multi-state utility’s development of energy efficiency resources and reducing its reliance on outdated, climate-polluting coal plants. Our efforts and those of our clean energy allies are paying off.
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