Too Much Is at Stake to Leave Rural Communities Behind
Dear Members,
A lawsuit spearheaded by the state of Oregon could equate to a 6% rate increase for West Oregon Electric Cooperative for power supply alone. This, combined with other cost pressures we are facing, could result in a larger increase overall.
For generations, hydropower from the Columbia and Snake rivers served as the backbone of the Northwest, providing our co-op with affordable, reliable, and carbon-free electricity. Today, the management of this vital system is again the target of litigation focused on mandating federal dams to spill more water—directing it over spillways to assist fish passage rather than through turbines to generate electricity—and draw down reservoirs to reduce the amount of electricity the hydroelectric system generates.
In fact, the federal district court in Oregon has issued such an order mandating more spill.
The proposal to drastically increase spillage that advanced in the state’s litigation has not been scientifically proven to help salmon and other fish species. However, the economic and operational consequences are certain: higher costs for your family and an increased risk of blackouts regionally.
These financial pressures and reliability impacts arrive at a time of tightening power supply and the growing risk of not having enough power to meet consumer demand across the West. The flexibility of hydropower is more critical than ever for grid stability.
Recently, I joined other electric co-op leaders in a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek asking that she meet with us to find a balanced path forward—one that honors our commitment to fish recovery without punishing consumers who rely on reliable, affordable hydropower to sustain their communities.
We still believe it’s time to talk and not fight. Too much is at stake for the state of Oregon to stay in the courtroom and leave rural communities behind.
Thank you,
General Manager Billi Kohler