Customer-side resources will be critical as rising electricity demand, extreme weather and climate change impact the Northwest power system 

In January 2024, extreme cold descended on the Northwest, causing a significant spike in electricity demand. At the same time, there were serious challenges for energy supplies across the region. But first and foremost, we want to acknowledge those personally affected by the severe weather and send a heartfelt thank you to all the utility…

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Washington’s Transportation Electrification Strategy tackles the state’s largest source of emissions 

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. This includes Washington, where transportation makes up around 40 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For the region to achieve its ambitious climate goals, it’s crucial to develop well-planned pathways to decarbonize all sectors of our economy, especially the biggest piece…

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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,…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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)…

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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…

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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…

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