Montana
NWEC comments on EPA Clean Power Rule
Click here to view the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the EPA’s Clean Power Rule.
Read MoreNorthwest electricity consumers enjoying higher and higher energy savings
Northwest utilities and their customers continue to beat their regional energy efficiency targets and remain on-course to exceed the five-year savings goal established by the 6th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan. In 2013, the region achieved 268 average megawatts of energy efficiency. According to the region’s official power planning agency, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, that’s enough negawatts (energy savings) to satisfy the electricity needs of more than 180,000 Northwest homes.
Read MoreIn victory for clean energy development, court upholds transmission planning order
In a major win for clean energy development, a U.S. Court of Appeals panel this summer unanimously upheld a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directive aimed at modernizing transmission planning around the country. The decision gives strong support to the contention that utility-by-utility transmission planning is not enough, because energy resources and transmission lines are already widely shared across the power grid. Regional planning is needed to capture important benefits for clean energy, the environment and consumers.
Read MoreNWEC comments on the NPCC High Level Indicators Issue Paper
Click here to read NWEC’s comments on the NPCC High Level Indicator issue paper.
Read MoreNWEC comments on the NPCC Environmental Costs and Benefits Issue Paper
Click here to read NWEC’s comments on the NPCC Environmental Costs and Benefits Issues Paper.
Read MoreNew federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings
In the past five years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cranked out federal appliance and equipment standards that by 2029 will produce almost 800 average megawatts of Northwest energy savings that will greatly help the region achieve the savings goals of current regional power plan, according to preliminary analyses by the Bonneville Power Administration and Northwest Power and Conservation Council. These standards have tremendous success in creating significant energy savings at the lowest possible costs.
Read MoreNW Energy Coalition seeks policy director
The Policy Director is a senior level position responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a four-state policy agenda based on the goals of the Coalition. The work focuses on regional and state policy (regulatory and legislative) and utility proceedings and includes working with industry experts, building coalitions and educating stakeholders.
Read MoreNW Energy Coalition announces new executive director
The NW Energy Coalition executive board is proud to announce that nationally admired energy policy authority Nancy Hirsh will succeed Sara Patton as Coalition executive director, effective in January. Hirsh has been Coalition policy director for 18 years. She’s left her personal imprint on such critical accomplishments as increasingly energy efficiency-focused regional power plans, agreements to end coal-fired power generation in Washington and Oregon once and for all, and the region’s landmark renewable energy and energy efficiency standard: Washington’s I-937.
Read MorePublic input will be crucial in shaping next regional power and conservation plan
Work on the next regional power plan is shifting into high gear. The Seventh Northwest Power and Conservation Plan, like its six predecessors, will guide Bonneville Power Administration and public utility resource choices and set the regional benchmark for meeting predicted electricity needs over the next 20 years. Public comments on both are due Oct. 31.
Read MoreBillings Gazette article: PSC approves NW Energy's $870M purchase of PPL's hydro dams
On Thursday, Montana’s Public Service Commission approved Northwestern Energy’s proposed $870 million purchase of 11 hydroelectric dams. While the purchase provides stability and clean energy for NorthWestern Energy customers, it will lead to a rate increase of about 5%. NorthWestern still needs final approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Read More