Action Alert!

Action Alert:  Issue Briefing

Most consumer-owned, non-profit utilities purchase some or all of their electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).  Recently, Energy Secretary Steven Chu issued a memorandum outlining potential changes to BPA operations in an effort to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

The changes outlined by the Department of Energy are unnecessary for our region; do not recognize the accomplishments that BPA has already achieved through existing programs; and, would likely lead to higher electric rates for our customers. .

With the help of BPA, the Pacific Northwest leads the nation in using renewable sources of power and in saving energy.  In fact, BPA has a higher percentage of wind power on its transmission system than any other part of the country.  And, Northwest citizens have saved 5,000 average megawatts of electricity – enough to power four cities the size of Seattle – through energy conservation and efficiency programs since 1980. All of these efforts continue to grow at the regional level.

BPA is successful because it works together with utilities, tribes and other regional stakeholders on initiatives like these. We don’t need Washington, DC making the decisions about what works best for the Northwest without input from our customers. 

If the Department of Energy moves forward, BPA likely will increase electric rates across the region to implement these recommendations, which no one wants.  Please take a minute to copy the message below, and e-mail or mail it to Secretary Chu at the Department of Energy by Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Thank you!

E-MAIL:                the.secretary@hq.doe.gov

MAIL:                    Secretary Steven Chu
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585

Sample Letter

May 2012

Secretary Steven Chu
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585

Dear Secretary Chu:

My utility purchases electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).  I recently learned that the U.S. Department of Energy is proposing changes to BPA that would result in higher electric rates for my utility, and therefore my family and community.

I understand that your agency is trying to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency with these changes.  However, the Northwest already leads the nation in saving energy and using renewables and should be recognized for the successes it has had in these areas.

After 75 years serving Northwest utilities, BPA is successful because it works together with its customers to make decisions impacting electric rates that we have to pay.  This process is one reason why my community continues to have access to low-cost, clean energy.  Please don’t make decisions on our behalf without talking to the people, like me, who will be affected by higher electric rates.

Thank you for listening to my concerns. I would appreciate hearing a response from your office about this matter of importance to my family.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
City State and Zip
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