NPR Posts Positive Poll for Clean Energy in Northwest

Wind farm developers may be cheered by the results from a new public radio poll. It found broad support for wind energy among both urban and rural Northwest residents. The finding comes amidst nagging opposition to some new wind farms from upset neighbors. The opinion survey was a collaboration of the Northwest Health Foundation, the polling firm Davis, Hibbitts and Midghall and public radio stations across the Northwest.

Read More

The Transformer – January 4, 2011

Customers right to be wary of smart grid
“Cyberfying” the electric system is one of the biggest topics in today’s energy world. Article after article extols the wonderful things the smart grid will do for customers, from heightening energy system reliability and safety, to capturing energy efficiencies, to more easily incorporating renewable resources and facilitating electric vehicles, etc.

Given all these assumed benefits, smart grid proponents seem surprised that so many consumer advocacy organizations — particularly those concerned about low-income ratepayers – are urging caution.

Read More

The Missoulian: Decoupling, inverted block rates can help energy consumers

A recent op-ed in the Missoulian discusses how the current NorthWestern Energy rate case provides two exciting opportunities for saving energy and reducing people’s power bills.

The Montana Public Service Commission is now considering a pair of company-supported proposals that promise long-lasting benefits for consumers and particularly for low-income Montanans.

Read the full article online at The Missoulian. Read More