The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released draft pollution discharge permits for eight federal hydroelectric dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers that, if granted, would authorize operational discharges of lubricants and water used for cooling and equipment. Read More
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Three conservation groups filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Oregonagainst the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its water allocation plans for 13 dams in the Willamette River basin, and are asking the judge to grant a preliminary injunction to rescind the plan, which has been sent to… Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic casts a large shadow over the entire world, including our region. This column explores initial pandemic responses from the regional electric and natural gas industries, and outlines a preliminary and partial list of energy-related questions and challenges from this fast… Read More
Western energy prices fell as sharp changes in energy demand and usage patterns pushed electricity and natural gas prices lower. Read More
For your convenience, NewsData has compiled a list of the acronyms we utilize throughout the Clearing Up Publication. Read more
The Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (better known as the Northwest Power Act) turned 40 years old in December. Read more
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Puget Sound Energy announced March 24 that it signed a power purchase agreement with Energy Keepers, the tribally owned corporation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for 40 MW of hydroelectricity from the Selis Ksanka Qlispe hydroelectric project in Montana. Read More
The region's supply of natural gas should remain plentiful and prices low through 2020, despite the economy slowing down, according to the Northwest Natural Gas Association's 2020 Gas Outlook. Read More
The Washington UTC approved a partial multiparty settlement in Avista's general rate case on March 25 that would have increased the utility's electric rates, but at the same time agreed to fast-track a series of customer refunds that will negate the rate increases during the COVID-19-induced… Read More
Opinions about whether the four lower Snake River dams should be removed have dominated oral comments on a draft environmental impact statement for the Columbia River System Operations during at least two of five teleconferences held since the document was released on Feb. 28. Read More
The State of Washington has closed recreational fishing for at least two weeks, and Oregon closed salmon and steelhead fishing on the Columbia River. Read More
Renewable energy tax-credit extensions did not make the cut for the $2.2 trillion coronavirus pandemic relief package that President Donald Trump signed into law March 27 but the bill boosts low-income energy assistance by $900 million. The bill was passed by the House on a voice vote earlie… Read More