Avista rate case offers wins for customers, climate, Colstrip

Last week the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) approved a partial multiparty settlement in the Avista rate case​. It also decided issues outside of the settlement, including fast-tracking refunds to customers to minimize rate increases for natural gas customers and to eliminate them for electric customers in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Avista’s…

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Appeal to Oregon Gov. Brown to assure electricity service

The Oregon Community Action Partnership and the Oregon Citizen’s Utility Board joined the NW Energy Coalition in a letter to Governor Kate Brown asking her to order reconnection of utility customers who may have been disconnected, a moratorium on new disconnections, and , and revised credit and collection procedures to insure that electricity remains affordable…

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Coalition asks for suspension of utility shut-offs

On Friday, the NW Energy Coalition joined the Washington Community Action Partnership, and The Energy Project, a program of the Opportunity Council in a letter asking Governor Jay Inslee to issue an order under emergency powers to suspend utility shut-offs, waive late fees, and expand bill assistance in order help low and moderate income Washingtonians…

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Congress passes stimulus bill with $900 million for LIHEAP

The United States Congress passed a stimulus bill that contains $900 million for LIHEAP. This represents about a 27% increase over the current FY 20 appropriation. The money can be spent through Sept. 2021. Each state will make its own decisions regarding how to use this money.  There are lots of options including providing funding…

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How utilities can help customers, communities cope with COVID-19

On behalf of the NW Energy Coalition staff and board, we hope you are staying safe in the midst of the national public health emergency around coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to the physical well-being concerns that COVID-19 is raising, we are also aware of the enormous economic effects that this crisis will have on many…

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Washington enacts law to spur building efficiency, resilience upgrades

Leveraging private funding for public good: efficiency and resilience upgrades made easier with C-PACER Upgrades to make commercial and apartment buildings more resilient and energy efficient will soon become easier in Washington. The state legislature has passed and sent to the governor House Bill 2405, the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience bill, also…

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Washington makes zero emission vehicles more available and affordable

The Washington State Legislature has passed SB 5811, the  zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) bill, which will increase ​zero emission  vehicle selection in the state and ensure reductions in greenhouse gases from the transportation sector by requiring that ​ZEVs command an increasing share of Washington’s new car market. Washington joins eleven other states in implementing the ZEV program, which places…

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Utilities, environmental groups ask NW governors to address Snake River salmon issue

The NW Energy Coalition joins group in calling for regional dialogue SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — In a letter to the Governors of Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon, energy company and conservation community leaders called on elected officials across the Pacific Northwest to prioritize collaborative solutions to address the issues surrounding the Lower Snake River, including the…

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