Northwest Power Planning
October 5 is Energy Efficiency Day! Here’s why it matters.
Why is there an Energy Efficiency Day? Because all of us, especially policymakers, need to be reminded that, as we pursue economic growth and jobs, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, a transition to a clean electric system, and affordable energy now and in the future, energy efficiency is doing the heavy lifting. We hear about…
Energy jobs are mostly in energy efficiency
E4The Future and Environmental Entrepreneurs have issued a new analysis that expands on a recent clean energy jobs report by drilling down on the role that energy efficiency jobs play in every state’s economy. Last May, the Energy Futures Initiative and the National Association of State Energy Officials published the 2018 U.S. Energy and Employment Report and…
New Shepherd’s Door Solar Sanctuary Project in Portland
Twende Solar, a not-for-profit organization that develops community solar projects in communities of need around the world, recently collaborated with the Portland Rescue Mission on the Shepherd’s Door Solar Sanctuary Project in Portland, OR. Shepherd’s Door is a sanctuary of peace and security for women and their children who are seeking a safe transition to healthy lifestyles. …
NWEC seeks 2 board members
Board of Directors Application Information The NW Energy Coalition is seeking to fill two positions on its Board of Directors. The Coalition is a non-profit alliance of more than 100 environmental, consumer, civic, and human service groups; progressive utilities; energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses, and other Northwest organizations. The 15-member Coalition Board includes representatives…
No time to retreat on energy efficiency: Part 2
Last week, part 1 of this post focused on the Northwest’s impending shortfall in meeting 7th Power Plan goals for energy efficiency as well as plans by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to cut funding for energy efficiency efforts by 10% in 2020 and 2021. That news comes against the backdrop of efforts by the Trump…
No time to retreat on energy efficiency: Part 1
This week, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council staff updated Council members on regional energy efficiency savings and savings projections relative to the goals contained in the 7th Power Plan. The good news is that the region beat the 2-year milestone in the plan. The bad news is that the region is on a path…
Heat Wave: Renewables pass a test, but greater challenges await
As the nation and parts of the Northwest swelter, at least one silver lining is emerging. The rise of renewable energy resources and the corresponding decline of fossil fuel resources have not compromised electric system reliability at a time when demand for electricity is hitting record highs. In the Northwest, temperatures have consistently topped 90…
Pitch in to pass I-1631 in Washington
Initiative 1631 promotes clean energy, jobs, and healthy communities in Washington by charging polluters a fee whose proceeds will be invested in renewable resources, forest and water protection, and helping communities. A free and easy way to help make sure I-1631 passes is to share posts through your social media accounts. Facebook Go here to follow Yes…
YES ON I-1631 in Washington
If you believe that Washington should take additional action to combat pollution and climate change – and according to recent polling, the vast majority of Washingtonians do – you probably accept that with action there is cost. The trick is to develop solutions that effectively address the problem while minimizing the cost and, as far…
Clean and advanced energy jobs are huge in the NW
States are often identified with particular industries that have big economic footprints — Washington with the aerospace industry; Oregon with the logging and wood products industries; and Idaho with the forestry, farming, and fishing industries. But, as big as those footprints are, those industries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho don’t provide as many jobs as…
Is Natural Gas-fired electricity being overtaken?
Nationally, the leading energy story for much of the past few years has been the decline of coal-fired electricity in the face of low-priced natural gas. But, once the predator, natural gas is increasingly becoming the prey. The new predator? Renewable energy. The latest example of renewables elbowing out natural gas is found in the most…
Clean & Affordable Energy Conference focuses on challenges facing renewable resources and communities
The Spring 2018 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference was held on April 25 in Missoula, Montana, a state that’s critical to the Pacific Northwest’s clean energy future. Blessed with best-in-the-nation wind power potential, Montana was a focal point for discussion by industry experts, policymakers, and clean energy advocates who explored strategies for tapping that potential.…