Equity & Affordability
Western Market Benefits to the Northwest
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, can transition to clean energy faster, and…
Read MoreCustomer-side resources can reduce risks from volatile energy prices
Winter is here. It’s barely February and we’ve already witnessed the value of a diversified energy system and the risks that come from fossil fuels. Volatile fossil fuel prices are causing concern for customers that end up footing the bill when their utility purchases fossil-fueled power. By accelerating our investments in customer-side resources, we can…
Read MoreModernize the Bonneville Power Administration
Electric vehicle charging standards adopted in Washington
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) recently adopted standards for public electric (EV) vehicle charging, often referred to under the more technical name, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). On December 16th, 2022, the Department adopted the final rule, which will take effect on January 1, 2024. By the end of 2022, there were over…
Read MoreWashington Adopts New Clean Vehicles Program Standards
Yesterday, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) took the next step towards a cleaner and more equitable transportation system for Washington. After several opportunities to provide input on the new standards being added to the Clean Vehicles Program, Ecology has adopted three new standards: Advanced Clean Cars II, the Heavy-Duty Omnibus Low NOx Rule, and the…
Read MoreWashington State Clean Vehicle Rulemaking
Washington State Department of Ecology is adopting three regulations that will help address air pollution NW Energy Coalition is working with partners to support the adoption of the following three regulations, which will address air pollution to improve public health, protect frontline communities, and increase access to electricity as an affordable transportation fuel: These regulations…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Consumer Protection Updates
The last six months in the utility world and how it affects customers The public and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been undeniable. Most prominently, job and business loss have affected families and communities who are now struggling to pay bills, including utilities, and stay safe at home. In the Northwest and nationally,…
Read MoreFlexible demand webinar explores potential of customer-side technologies as an energy resource
Welcome to a conversation with Geoff Wickes, Jeff Harris, Conrad Eustis, and Tony Koch about how grid-integrated water heaters and other customer-side technologies can contribute to electric system efficiency and reduce the need for additional generations resources. The session runs about 90 minutes. It was recorded on July 1st, 2020. The moderator is Fred Heutte,…
Read MoreMay 2020 Northwest Energy Update
May 2020 Northwest Energy Update NW Utilities’ COVID-19 Response The Coalition’s effort to persuade utilities to suspend service shut-offs during the coronavirus crisis has been quite successful, especially among the region’s largest utilities many of which are also increasing support for bill assistance and reconnecting those whose service may have been shut off before the…
Read MoreNWEC joins groups asking Inslee to extend shut-off moratorium
The following press release was issued earlier today by the Sierra Club. Coalition calls for WA to protect low-income utility users during COVID fallout Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Contact: Robin Everett, Senior Organizing Manager – Sierra Club, 206-713-5474 Wendy Gerlitz, Policy Director – Northwest Energy Coalition, 503-449-0009 Katrina Peterson, Climate Justice Program Manager – Puget…
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