State Energy Strategy Sets a Path Forward
Dear Member,
The Oregon Department of Energy recently asked for public feedback on its draft energy strategy. The plan lays out different pathways the state could take to reach its energy goals for reliability, affordability, and greenhouse gas emissions, among other targets.
The draft Oregon Energy Strategy includes 42 different policy recommendations—too many to dive into here. Instead, I’ll share a big-picture overview from the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association, which represents co-ops like Douglas Electric at the state capital.
First, the Oregon Energy Strategy must take steps to make sure the region has enough electricity to meet growing demand. In July, the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee released its latest 10-year electricity forecast, which showed a 30% increase in demand over the next decade. Meeting this growing demand is 1 of the biggest challenges facing the Pacific Northwest—1 of the many reasons it is so important to get the Oregon Energy Strategy right.
To keep up with demand projections, Oregon needs more power sources on top of the solid foundation we already get from federal hydropower projects on the Columbia and Snake rivers. An encouraging part of the draft energy strategy is that it recognizes how new technologies—such as small modular nuclear reactors—could help meet the state’s future electricity needs.
Unfortunately, by mentioning the benefits to Oregon of hydropower only once, the draft energy strategy downplays its critical role in electrifying communities across the state, including those served by Douglas Electric Cooperative. The recent summer heat wave was a perfect reminder of why we depend on federal hydro projects to keep the lights on and help the state reach its ambitious clean energy goals. The state of Oregon should recognize the value of this clean, renewable resource.
The final version of the Oregon Energy Strategy is set to come out this November, and a lot of its recommendations will likely end up at the Oregon Legislature. We’ll stay involved in those conversations with policy to make sure Oregon’s plans line up with our priority—delivering reliable, clean, and affordable power to our members every day.
Sincerely,
General Manager Keith Brooks