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This summer, when temperatures climb and air conditioners run around the clock, Lane County utilities like ours will pay more for electricity because of Gov. Tina Kotek’s energy decisions. A court order resulting from the governor’s choice to pursue litigation now requires Columbia and Snake River dams to divert more water away from the turbines that generate hydropower. The result is less affordable, clean power available for Oregon families.
As not-for-profit, consumer-owned utilities, we have no choice but to pass along these higher costs to those we serve. Families and small businesses across the state are already struggling to make ends meet. Gas prices recently hit $5.20 a gallon in Lane County, and statewide grocery bills have surged 13% above the national average. Clearly this is not the time to add to the economic burden of our residents.
When hydropower isn’t available, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which supplies every consumer-owned utility in the state, must replace it with power purchased on the open market. That power is typically much more expensive, and it’s often generated by burning fossil fuels.
This matters most on the hottest summer days, when thousands of air conditioners switch on at once, and every utility in the west is competing for the same replacement power. When demand spikes, open market prices rise dramatically and the risk of a blackout is higher.
Kotek’s action to limit hydropower production makes the problem worse. Hydropower dams are the state’s largest source of clean, reliable energy. Wind and solar can’t be dispatched within minutes to meet demand spikes, so BPA must purchase expensive fossil fuels to backfill the loss of hydropower. Customers will then be left to cover these skyrocketing costs in their power bills.
Statewide polling conducted in April by DHM Research showed that 71% of Oregonians say affordability is their top energy priority, and 82% agree now is not the time for policies that increase electricity bills.
Not-for-profit utilities are responsible for keeping power affordable and reliable, but our hands are tied when the governor’s decisions leave BPA with less clean, affordable hydropower. Lane County families deserve honesty about what is driving their bills higher. Governor Kotek’s decision to pursue litigation is a key factor.
And make no mistake, this was a policy choice made without any input from the people who will be most affected. Of all the states served by BPA, only Oregon chose to become a lead plaintiff in the litigation.
Oregonians need energy decisions that prioritize affordability and reliability. Not policies that raise everyone’s electricity bills. Kotek’s choices are forcing families and businesses in the Eugene-Springfield area to pay more for electricity while making that same electricity less clean.
Replacing carbon-free hydropower with fossil fuels instead of collaborating with the people closest to the problem is a choice. It contradicts the governor’s own commitment to affordability and climate goals. And at the end of the day, Lane County families will be paying for it.
