Customer-side resources will be critical as rising electricity demand, extreme weather and climate change impact the Northwest power system 

In January 2024, extreme cold descended on the Northwest, causing a significant spike in electricity demand. At the same time, there were serious challenges for energy supplies across the region. But first and foremost, we want to acknowledge those personally affected by the severe weather and send a heartfelt thank you to all the utility…

Read More

Washington’s Transportation Electrification Strategy tackles the state’s largest source of emissions 

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. This includes Washington, where transportation makes up around 40 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For the region to achieve its ambitious climate goals, it’s crucial to develop well-planned pathways to decarbonize all sectors of our economy, especially the biggest piece…

Read More

Extreme weather events strengthen the case for customer-side resources, particularly managing load

Extreme weather events have become the new norm around the world. In the typically wet Northwest, prolonged periods of drought can put pressure on the region’s hydropower system, cause heat stress and wildfire risks. In this blog post, we connect the dots between increasingly volatile weather conditions and the value of customer-side energy resources. These…

Read More

Public Comment through 10/30 on Washington’s Transportation Electrification Strategy!

The public comment period opens today on the Washington EV Council’s draft Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES). The TES will serve as a roadmap to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles across Washington. This is one of the largest transportation transitions ever implemented in Washington, so the TES includes strategies for infrastructure, community access and affordability,…

Read More

A Single, Unified Western Market

Bonneville Power Administration has a key role The West is in the midst of determining how to structure itself into electricity markets, with significant implications for utilities, customers, and the future of a clean, equitable, and affordable western grid. Electricity markets can coordinate and optimize the electricity grid, creating a system that is more reliable,…

Read More

2023 Oregon Legislative Session Wrap Up

The Oregon Legislative session adjourned on Sunday, June 25th. Despite a 43-day walkout by Senate Republicans, 2023 ended up being a fairly successful legislative session. Energy issues were not expected to play a big role (we’re still working on implementing all the big policies we passed in 2021) but some important steps were taken in…

Read More

ACT NOW: Tell the Biden administration we need a plan to recover salmon

On May 4, the Biden administration launched a public comment period to gather feedback on Columbia River salmon and other native fish restoration.  Join supporters from across the country and tell the Biden administration that breaching the four lower Snake River dams—and replacing the services they provide—must be a part of a comprehensive solution that…

Read More

2023 Montana Legislative Session Wrap Up

The 2023 Montana State Legislature adjourned on May 2nd, 2023, the 87th legislative day. Republicans held a super majority and the ability to override a Governor veto. While much of the attention was placed on social issues, several anti-clean energy bills passed. A large focus was placed on eliminating the ability for localities to make…

Read More

2023 Washington Legislative Session Wrap Up

The 2023 Washington State Legislative session concluded on April 24 and there were several significant victories for clean, affordable, and equitable energy.   This year’s legislative session was a “long session,” during which the capital and operating budgets are passed. It was also the first year that revenue was available from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA)…

Read More