Efficiency Works!
Northwest electricity consumers enjoying higher and higher energy savings
Northwest utilities and their customers continue to beat their regional energy efficiency targets and remain on-course to exceed the five-year savings goal established by the 6th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan. In 2013, the region achieved 268 average megawatts of energy efficiency. According to the region’s official power planning agency, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, that’s enough negawatts (energy savings) to satisfy the electricity needs of more than 180,000 Northwest homes.
![Image of a worker looking at the glass of a solar panel. In the background you can see Wind Turbines. Two different technologies to produce energy in a responsible and sustainable way (ISO 100) . All my images have been processed in 16 Bits and transfer down to 8 before uploading. [url=http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=7053550] [img]http://www.ll28.com/istock/solarpanel.jpg [/img][/url]](https://nwenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/iStock_000014461752sml.jpg "Examining the glass")
Idaho Statesman article: PUC approves two projects on Idaho Power grid
Solar power is a real deal right now and Idaho Power got state approval for two sales contracts with developers. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved the two contracts Friday for the two projects – one in Kuna and a second in Grand View – that would produce 120 megawatts, enough power to serve 83,000 average-sized homes. The projects are scheduled to be completed in 2016.
NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference draws largest-ever crowd; Coalition adds four new members
Attendees learned about influencing behavior to fulfill energy efficiency potential; discussed opportunities and challenges to cleanly replacing aging, dirty power sources, considered consumer protection and utility revenue concerns surrounding expanded solar and other distributed generation; and got up to speed on how changing the Columbia River Treaty could affect power generation and other river uses in the basin.
2014 NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference photos
Some 180 people – the most ever — attended Friday’s addresses and panels. Attendees learned about influencing behavior to fulfill energy efficiency potential; discussed opportunities and challenges to cleanly replacing aging, dirty power sources, considered consumer protection and utility revenue concerns surrounding expanded solar and other distributed generation; and got up to speed on how…
Friends new and old support the Coalition at Founding the Future Gala
The NW Energy Coalition’s Founding the Future Gala looked back on the Coalition’s 33-year history through the eyes of several founding members and forward through the eyes of more recent clean energy leaders. It was also the occasion for honoring Patton’s 20-year legacy as executive director and celebrating longtime policy director Hirsh, who will move up to executive director when Patton moves on in January.
Crosscut artice: Washington businesses unite on climate action
More than 100 businesses – from REI and Virginia Mason to Taylor Shellfish and Microsoft – launched a declaration calling for “climate action.” The businesses recently endorsed the Washington Business Climate Declaration, a statement by businesses and individuals on the need for action against global warming, saying, that the Northwest firms “support using energy efficiently, investing in cleaner fuels, advancing renewable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
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.
NWEC comments on the NPCC High Level Indicators Issue Paper
Click here to read NWEC’s comments on the NPCC High Level Indicator issue paper.
NWEC comments on the NPCC Environmental Costs and Benefits Issue Paper
Click here to read NWEC’s comments on the NPCC Environmental Costs and Benefits Issues Paper.
Gov. Inslee proclaims October 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State
Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program will help many households make it through the cold weather season – and the years ahead – by adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other improvements that reduce heat loss and save money on energy bills. The program is funded through a partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State, and private and public utilities.
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.
Grist article: How one building is changing the world
The Bullitt Center in Seattle was designed to be the greenest commercial building in the world in 2012. Due to strict guidelines prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals in its construction, safer building materials were innovated to meet the Bullitt Center’s needs. The company Building Envelope Innovation replaced toxic phthalates in its sealants and coatings with non-toxic ingredients. The change will benefit the company’s employees who regularly handle the products.