Restricting Hydropower Will Hike Costs for Oregon Families
By Roger Kline
Guest Opinion
Oregon families should brace for higher electricity costs this fall. Following Gov. Kotek’s support for a federal court ruling that curtails hydropower production in favor of increased spill for salmon, energy bills will soon be more expensive. Protecting salmon under the Endangered Species Act is a goal that our regional utilities share, but the ruling comes at a real cost. Oregonians deserve to know who pays for it. At a time when state policymakers should be focused on easing the state’s affordability crisis, the Governor’s support for the ruling is instead weakening our most cost-effective and reliable energy source.
Hydropower is the backbone of the Oregon electricity grid, and it works efficiently when Oregonians need it most. Unlike other renewable sources, which depend on weather conditions, hydroelectric dams can increase output in mere minutes during periods of high demand. That speed and reliability is especially important on hot summer days when air conditioners run at full capacity, and during icy winter storms that can swiftly knock out power for thousands across the state.
When less hydropower is available, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) must buy electricity on the open market to serve consumer-owned utilities like ours. This replacement power is far more expensive. The result is a lose-lose outcome for Oregon families and businesses: higher bills and less reliable energy available when Oregonians need it most.
These costs are real and will affect Oregonians. Consumer-owned utilities do not have shareholders who can absorb higher wholesale power costs when demand rises. Our customers ultimately pay higher electricity bills. And with statewide gas prices averaging $4.60 a gallon and 75% of Oregon residents cutting back on spending due to increased housing and food costs, state policy should ease financial pressures—not make them worse.
Consumers’ wallets shouldn’t be an afterthought, and decisions like this shouldn’t be made without input from those they impact. If state leaders are serious about addressing cost-of-living pressures, consumer-owned utilities across the state are ready to collaborate. Gov. Kotek just has to come to the table.
Roger M. Kline has served as General Manager and CEO of Northern Wasco County Peoples Utility District (NWCPUD) since January 2016, leading the organization through significant growth and transformation. With over three decades of experience in the energy sector, his career spans enterprise risk management, generation operations, maintenance, and senior leadership roles. He can be reached at www.nwascopud.org. To learn more about the federal court ruling that is affecting the Pacific Northwest’s hydropower supply, visit protecthydropower.com.
