A Public Education Campaign
Oregon's hydropower is under attack - and you're footing the bill.
The State of Oregon is challenging our Federal hydropower system, which provides affordable electricity to our region. The result could be a 6–7% increase in the cost of electricity that Oregon's consumer-owned utilities purchase from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Here's what Oregonians need to know.
What's Happening
A federal court ruling is threatening the backbone of Northwest power.
Oregon has sued federal agencies that own and operate the federal hydropower system, forcing an increase to your electric bill and reducing the generation of clean hydroelectricity.
The result: The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) must replace lost clean energy generation by buying power on the open market, which is often more expensive, less reliable, and dirtier. The cost burden will be shouldered by Oregon households and small businesses.
"Hydropower remains the beating heart of our region’s clean energy system, providing reliable, carbon-free electricity to millions of homes and businesses."
Peter DeFazio, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon and Norm Dicks, former member of U.S. House of Representatives from Washington in Seattle Times Op-Ed
Why this matters to every Oregonian
Higher Bills
An estimated $100–$125 million per year in added costs for three years — passed through to electricity customers.
Less Reliable Grid
Reductions in hydropower generation can threaten the reliability of Oregon's electric grid - a serious step toward brown-and-blackouts.
Dirtier Power
Lost clean hydro generation is most often replaced by fossil-fueled electricity from the regional market.
Stand up for affordable, clean hydropower.
Read the facts, stay informed, and become advocates in defense of hydroelectricity.