Announcements
Idaho Statesman: "Idaho’s energy future: Less coal, uncertain hydro"
When you flip a light switch in Idaho, chances are the electricity came from some combination of the following: a hydroelectric plant, a natural gas plant, a wind turbine and a coal plant outside the state. Hydropower satisfies roughly half of Idaho’s electricity demand. Coal-fired plants in Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Montana pitch in another 35 percent. A handful of natural gas plants and hundreds of wind turbines make up most of the remainder.
Read MoreCoalition comments highlight strengths, weaknesses of draft 7th Power Plan
On Dec. 18, the NW Energy Coalition submitted its written comments on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th regional plan which, when finalized, will inform resource decisions by Northwest electric utilities for the next 20 years – especially in the initial five- to six-year action plan period.
Read MoreConference spotlight: Climate science and our changing hydrograph
Dr. Joe Casola of the UW’s Climate Impacts Group will provide the framing address for the NW Energy Coalition’s Clean & Affordable Energy Conference. He will prepare the audience for the policy panels that follow by providing the latest climate science, with a focus on the Northwest’s changing hydrograph and how these changes affect hydropower production and salmon survival.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: NWEC Conference and Gala next Thursday in Seattle
Climate change is affecting the hydrology of the Columbia Basin. The Dec. 3 NW Clean and Affordable Energy Conference in Seattle will consider the nature and extent of the changes, what they mean for power production and salmon survival, and the best policies for reducing the carbon emissions that cause them.
Read MoreFall 2015 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference and Awards Gala Post
Send 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 MoreIntensive rate design workshop well attended by regional advocates
On Aug. 14, the NW Energy Coalition sponsored a workshop for energy professionals and advocates across the Northwest. The Coalition invited friends and allies to this valuable training on the history and current trends in utility rate design, and how advocates can advance affordable bills and clean power.
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.
Read MoreThe Tri-City Herald: Benton PUD’s solar panels producing savings for investors
The Benton Public Utility District showed off its Ely Community Solar Project to its customers Wednesday and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. An array of solar panels is lined up on the PUD property, visible from Highway 395 at the 10th Avenue intersection. The project has been operating since July 1, and those who invested will see savings on their next monthly electric bill.
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