Our Power. Our Future. Our Voice.
Dear Member,
What happens on the Columbia and Snake rivers matters here at home. A recent court decision could change how the dams on these rivers operate, and that decision could mean higher electricity costs and a less reliable grid for families, farms, and businesses across Oregon.
The state of Oregon is a party in this lawsuit, and the outcome could affect 1 of the most important sources of electricity in the Pacific Northwest. For decades, the Columbia and Snake rivers dams have quietly done their jobs—providing affordable, reliable, carbon-free electricity for our homes, farms, schools and businesses. Simply put, these dams are a critical part of the electric system, and they matter to rural Oregon.
If we don’t get this power from the dams, we will have to replace it somewhere else. That “somewhere else” is likely higher-cost power bought on the open market.
The dams do more than generate a constant level of electricity. They provide reliability during periods of extreme weather, support grid stability, and deliver energy that our communities depend on every day. As demand for electricity continues to grow, maintaining reliable power becomes increasingly important. The Columbia and Snake River dams have been part of the backbone of the Northwest power system for generations, and the benefits they provide are easy to take for granted until they’re gone.
Public power utilities and the people who pay electric bills every month haven’t had much of a voice in this discussion. That seems backward. Before decisions are made that could affect reliability and affordability across the Northwest, the communities that depend on this power deserve to be part of the conversation.
We’re not asking everyone to agree on every issue. We’re simply asking that the people who pay the electric bills get a voice. Let us be part of the dam conversation before decisions are made that could affect Oregon’s energy future for generations to come. Visit protecthydropower.com for more information.
Sincerely,
General Manager Keith Brooks