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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.
Read MoreWebinar 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.
Read More7th 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!
Read MoreNorthwest 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.
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Energy Activist chronicles Power Council's 6th Plan hearings
The newest edition of The Energy Activist chronicles the recent four-state hearing process for the Northwest Power and Conservation Plan.
In city after city, state after state, hundreds rallied and spoke for a Northwest Power and Conservation Plan to boost our use of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Read MoreEnergy Activist – Special Edition, Spring 2009
Energy Activist – Summer 2008
FIN and friends sound salmon alarm coast-to-coast
In a 20-state, 3-month migration, the giant fish named FIN crossed the country to tell Americans about the plight of Columbia and Snake river salmon and of fishing communities up and down the West Coast.
Read MoreEnergy Activist – Summer 2008
Winning the War on Coal
Coal is on the ropes, but its backers aren’t about to throw in the towel.
Read MoreEnergy Activist – Winter 2007
NW Energy Coalition’s 25th Anniversary
Fresh off some of its greatest victories, the NW Energy Coalition charges into its second quarter century.
Coalition stalwarts recall the personalities, the battles, the joys and accomplishments in 25 years of fighting for a clean energy future.
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