Supporting Reliable Power
Dear Members,
Most of the electricity West Oregon Electric Cooperative delivers is clean, carbon-free hydropower from the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Like most rural cooperatives in the Northwest, WOEC buys its wholesale power from Bonneville Power Administration, which markets that hydropower. It has kept electricity affordable and reliable here for generations.
This spring, a federal judge in Oregon issued a preliminary injunction ordering more water to be “spilled” over several dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers. Spilling sends water over a dam instead of through the turbines that generate electricity. More spill means less power. The court’s goal was to help salmon migrate to the ocean.
There is reason to question whether the trade-off is working. Research on the river system has found heavy spill can slow adult salmon on their way upstream to spawn, and fish managers are watching this year’s returns closely.
What is clearer is the cost. WOEC buys its power from BPA. Anything that reduces hydropower output reaches us directly. When dams generate less electricity, BPA must buy replacement power on the open market, usually at higher prices, and some from natural gas rather than clean hydropower. BPA has estimated the order could raise its rates by around 17%. The Public Power Council estimates the regionwide cost at more than $100 million a year.
We don’t believe protecting salmon and keeping power affordable are competing goals, but such decisions should be guided by sound science and regional cooperation, not year-to-year court orders. WOEC is a member of the Public Power Council, which has asked an appeals court to review the injunction, and we support that effort on your behalf.
To learn more or add your voice, visit the Protect Hydro Power website.
Preparing for Wildfire Season
Wildfire season officially began June 15 across Oregon. With low snowpack and a hot, dry summer in the forecast, the state is expecting another challenging wildfire season.
Protecting our communities is a top priority for WOEC, and we maintain a wildfire mitigation plan that we continually update. During periods of extreme fire weather, such as during fire weather watches or red flag warnings, a Public Safety Power Shutoff may be considered, but only as a last resort. We work closely with state and local fire officials to monitor conditions prior to making this decision.
WOEC will begin adjusting system settings in high-risk areas so power lines shut off automatically the moment they are contacted by a tree, branch or other debris. This added protection may mean longer and more frequent outages during the summer months.
Make sure the co-op has your current contact information for outage and emergency alerts by calling 503-429-3021 or updating your information through the SmartHub app. For additional wildfire preparedness information, visit ready.gov.
We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work to keep our communities safe.