News
Clean Energy Choice Act builds on I-937 success
State Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) has introduced HB 2073 to enhance the consumer and health benefits of Washington’s new renewables and energy efficiency law, Initiative 937. Fey’s Clean Energy Choice Act provides a framework for discussion of new resource development after 2020, when I-937’s new renewables standard plateaus at 15 percent.
AWEA blog: How wind energy helps keep the lights on despite variable winds
The American Wind Energy Association explains how wind energy can reliably meet a large portion of our nation’s energy needs: (1) More wind turbines means less power production variability; (2) changes in wind are more predictable than abrupt failures at conventional power plants; (3) there is a lot of untapped wind potential; and (4) grid operators are already prepared with back up power if necessary.
Climate Solutions blog: Protecting Washington's clean energy commitment
The vision laid out in a new, comprehensive approach to reforming I-937, called the Clean Energy Choice Act (HB 2073), addresses the needs of utilities to serve load at low costs while ensuring that every time a fossil fuel contract comes due, it is replaced by clean energy. Megawatt by megawatt, the Clean Energy Choice Act will transition our fossil-powered grid to one served by renewable energy. This legislation deserves a hearing and vote, and should be the starting point for any post-2020 proposal going forward.
Lower load growth expectations for 7th Plan don't reduce importance of energy efficiency
Northwest Power and Conservation Council staff expect significantly slower growth in energy demand over the next 20 years than was predicted in the 6th regional power plan five years ago. This means we can meet an even higher percentage of new load with energy efficiency – saving more money for families and businesses, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and cleanly powering our growing fleet of electric vehicles. Realizing those savings, and their benefits, will be a primary 7th Plan goal for clean and affordable energy advocates throughout the Northwest.
MLB.com: Safeco first MLB park to illuminate field with LED lights
The baseball stadium’s new system will reduce glare and improve the overall atmosphere. The LED lamps last over 100,000 hours, or more than 30 years, compared to about 3,000 hours for metal halide lamps. And unlike the old lights, which needed a 20-minute warmup, LED lights respond instantly when switched on. The conversion will reduce energy consumption for field lighting by 60 to 70 percent.
Webinar on utility-scale wind and natural gas peaking plants this Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. PST
As part of developing the region’s 7th Power Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s power committee is holding a webinar on specific generation resources tomorrow — Thursday, Jan. 29 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. The posted agenda items are (1) assessment of natural gas natural gas peaking plants (single-cycle combustion turbines or SCCTs and reciprocating engines) and (2) assessment of onshore utility-scale wind.
Washington and Idaho members will lead the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in 2015
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council this month elected Washington and Idaho members to lead the four-state energy and fish and wildlife planning agency in 2015. Phil Rockefeller, appointed to the Council in 2011 by then-Governor Christine Gregoire, was elected chair of the Council. In 2014, Mr. Rockefeller served as chair of the Council’s Fish and Wildlife Committee. The Council also elected Idaho member Bill Booth as vice chair. Mr. Booth previously served in several Council leadership positions including two terms as chair, in 2008 and 2009.
7th Power and Conservation Plan vehicle to clean energy future
Every five years, the region’s official power planning agency prepares an updated 20-year forecast of the Northwest’s electric power needs and a plan for how those needs should be met. The forthcoming 7th Plan will help us raise the bar higher, capitalize on our region’s clean energy success and set us on the course to a cleaner, more affordable and wildlife-friendly future. We need all hands on deck … starting now!
Northwest Power and Conservation Council seeks comments on direct natural gas use, aka 'fuel switching'
As it develops the 7th Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council is releasing a series of issue papers for public comment. This week the Council released its “Direct Use of Natural Gas Analysis,” with a comment period running through Feb. 20. Despite the potential thermal efficiencies of direct use, the Council has never considered switching from electric to gas heat to be conservation.
Wendy Gerlitz takes policy helm, completing leadership team transition
Wendy Gerlitz, a NW Energy Coalition senior policy associate for the past four years, has become policy director for the organization. Gerlitz replaces longtime policy director Nancy Hirsh, who is now the Coalition’s executive director. Both changes became effective Jan. 1, the date on which Sara Patton officially stepped down after 20-plus years as Coalition director.