Energy Matters - Updates 11/23/04

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The NW Energy Coalition
Energy Matters Update #11 - Jan. 3, 2005 energy matters logo

Fifth Power Plan a great holiday gift
Northwest clean energy activists were good this year

The Energy Matters campaign definitely left its mark on the Fifth Northwest Power Plan!

On Dec. 16, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council approved a final plan that actually improved what was a quite positive first draft. Written and oral comments from clean-energy advocates moved the Council members to hold on to, and in some ways strengthen their bold commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Previously unaddressed issues of low-income weatherization and salmon restoration get at least nodding recognition in the final plan.

And while the economically (let alone environmentally!) indefensible proposal to build yet another polluting coal plant remains in the plan, it’s now couched in terms of developing “clean coal” technology and pushed one to two years farther into the future.

Long-time advocates for clean and affordable energy in the Northwest can but marvel at the Fifth Plan precepts:

• Meet roughly half the expected 20-year growth in electricity demand with energy efficiency because it’s cheaper than anything else – including existing hydropower.

• In the short term, build virtually no new power resources other than wind.

Such an outcome could not have been achieved without the sustained efforts of scores of activists, energy policy experts and regular citizens who attended public hearings, submitted written comments and engaged their organizations in what has become an historic process.

Here’s how the final plan breaks down:

Efficiency remains constant -- The final plan mirrors the draft by calling for 140 average megawatts of new efficiency per year between now and 2009, and for total development of more than 2,500 average megawatts of efficiency over the 20-year period. The bulk of those savings will be found in efficient lighting, motors and heating/cooling systems.

Wind picks up speed – Acknowledging that Northwest utilities already plan to acquire far more than the 50 megawatts of new wind proposed for each of the next five years, the Council plan now calls for 1,100 megawatts of new wind in that period. The draft had recommended building a total of 5,000 megawatts of wind over the 20-year period. Now, that 5,000 megawatts is in addition to the first 1,100.

Coal comfort -- The additional 1,100 MW of wind front-loaded into the final Plan pushes consideration of a new 400-megawatt coal-burning plant farther into the future. Construction remains dependent on increased power needs and the future cost of coal – including the cost of carbon regulation. In addition, the Fifth Plan now talks in terms of “clean coal” technology. While coal is not “clean” – effective sequestration of climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions is years away, at best, and extraction is always an ecological disaster- the costs of making it “cleaner” should price coal right out of the competitive market.

A glance at low-income -- The draft virtually ignored low-income weatherization needs. The final version calls for additional funding for low-income weatherization in addition to general energy efficiency funding. Unfortunately, the Fifth Plan still sets no target for weatherizing qualified residences.

Fishing for compliments -- The draft completely disregarded salmon issues. The final plan grudgingly recognizes the link between power production and salmon survival and suggests development of a method for calculating the risk to fish presented by inadequate power supply.

Is enough enough? -- For the final Plan, the Council ramped up its support for regional resource adequacy standards, which would help ensure that the region builds enough – but no too much – power supply. That’s critical, given Bonneville Power Administration’s desire to get out of new power development. The Council now commits to establishing a Northwest Resource Adequacy Forum and to push for some level of mandatory standards.

But it ain’t over ‘til …

Overall, the Fifth Northwest Power and Conservation Plan puts the region on-course for a clean and affordable energy future.

We thank you for your crucial support thus far. As the Energy Matters campaign continues, we will continue to need your help in achieving the Plan’s promise. We will be calling on clean-energy advocates again. We must make sure our region develops its energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, weatherizes low-income families’ homes, restores threatened and endangered wild salmon populations and protects all Northwest power consumers.

Energy Matters
to entrepreneurs:

"Projections suggest the renewable and efficient energy industry will create 1.9 million jobs in the United States by 2020.

Conservative estimates project this industry in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia will grow to $2.5 billion over that period of time, about twice the size of the cargo and passenger airline industries, according to [Business Alliance for Sustainable Energy].

'This is definitely the right sector for this area,' said Dan Hobin, managing partner of Bend Capital Partners. ...'What we've got here is a cross-section of environmentalists that can think like entrepreneuers.'"

--from the Dec. 26 Associated Press story "Group forms to push renewable energy industry in Central Oregon"