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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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
Government electricity procurement should kickstart the next wave of clean energy investments in the Northwest
The Northwest is leading the way towards a decarbonized energy system in the US. To meet new and growing electricity demand, we must build on the foundation of our hydropower system with the next generation of clean and renewable energy resources. Accelerating the development of new, non-hydro renewable energy and storage resources can decrease pressure…
Markets 101 webinar: recording & slides
On February 15, 2023, the NW Energy Coalition and Renewable Northwest hosted a Markets 101 webinar to discuss the importance of regional electricity markets. The webinar was attended by more than 80 people from across the Northwest. Below you can find a link to the recording of the webinar as well as the slides. You…