Idaho
A region finding its way to a clean energy future
Dispatch from the NW Energy Coalition Spring 2017 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference At a time when the federal government seems poised to reverse policies designed to reduce pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage renewable energy, the responsibility for achieving those goals is falling to states, regions, cities, and towns. The Spring 2017 Clean & Affordable…
Read MoreNew loan options for home solar in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana
The NW Energy Coalition is partnering with Generations Credit Union and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union to expand solar financing in the Northwest. Oregon, Idaho, and Montana homeowners who are seeking loans to install solar or to make their homes more energy efficient can do so through Generations Credit Union and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union by…
Read MoreSpring 2017 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference — Boise!
Join the NW Energy Coalition on May 5th, 2017 for our Spring 2017 NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, the region’s premier clean energy conference! Today’s most important energy topics will be addressed, including the role of federal and local governments in the energy sector, the possibilities for clean portfolio development by utilities, the debate…
Read MoreMember Spotlight: Idaho Rivers United
Idaho Rivers United, a Coalition member for the past 14 years, advocates for protecting and restoring Idaho rivers. IRU defends at-risk fish populations, supports minimum stream flows that reduce dams’ harm to Idaho’s rivers. IRU argues that the four lower Snake River dams in Washington state are more of a threat to Idaho wild salmon survival than habitat destruction or overfishing.
Read MoreCoalition conference featuring Montana governor and NorthWestern Energy CEO draws big crowd in Missoula
Overflow crowds greeted Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe, and a host of renewable energy and energy efficiency advocates and providers at the Spring 2016 NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Missoula on May 19. More than 120 people from around the region attended this edition of the NW Energy Coalition’s twice-yearly conference, which rotates through Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. Coalition members returned the next day to elect board members, select annual award winners and strategize.
Read MoreIdaho's Snake River Alliance and partners roll out 'Solarize the Valley' campaign
A new program called “Solarize the Valley,” sponsored by the Snake River Alliance, is going to make rooftop solar energy more affordable and popular than ever before in the Treasure Valley, starting today. Out of the 1 million solar installations in America, less than .01% of them are in Idaho. But that’s about to change.
Read MoreIdaho Statesman: "Idaho’s energy future: Less coal, uncertain hydro"
When you flip a light switch in Idaho, chances are the electricity came from some combination of the following: a hydroelectric plant, a natural gas plant, a wind turbine and a coal plant outside the state. Hydropower satisfies roughly half of Idaho’s electricity demand. Coal-fired plants in Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Montana pitch in another 35 percent. A handful of natural gas plants and hundreds of wind turbines make up most of the remainder.
Read MoreCoalition comments highlight strengths, weaknesses of draft 7th Power Plan
On Dec. 18, the NW Energy Coalition submitted its written comments on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th regional plan which, when finalized, will inform resource decisions by Northwest electric utilities for the next 20 years – especially in the initial five- to six-year action plan period.
Read MoreHundreds testify for clean energy and salmon provisions in 7th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan
A series of eight public hearings on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th Plan drew hundreds of clean energy, climate and endangered salmon advocates expressing support for the Council’s embrace of energy efficiency to meet virtually all new power demands through the plan’s 20-year horizon.
Read MorePublic Hearing 11/19 on Regional Power Plan
BOISE, Idaho – Should Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington build more power plants, or rely more on energy efficiency and renewables?
Issues like these will be addressed at a public hearing in Boise tomorrow night on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 7th Regional Power Plan.
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