We're organizing a team of 500WS (and others!) to attend an upcoming public hearing that may significantly impact the transition to clean energy here in Washington State. The conference call is an opportunity for asking questions about the rate case hearing, learning more about the carbon free PSE campaign, and getting advice on giving effective testimony or submitting written comment.
If you want to learn more, join our conference call with Dr. Jess Koski, lead organizer for the Sierra Club's Carbon Free PSE campaign next Friday 8/25, 9:30 - 10:30am. To participate in the conference call, email Judy Twedt (jtwedt@uw.edu).
Background Information
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) owns a significant portion of a large coal mine in Montana and is under pressure to retire the 4 units that it owns. PSE's decisions about when to retire the units, whether to supplant coal power with renewable energy or a new gas plant, and how these costs will be passed onto customers, are all regulated by Washington's Utility and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC must consider public comments before making a decision, and is hosting two rate-case hearings.
The second of these hearings is at the end of this month. It presents an opportunity for scientists and stakeholders to inform a policy decision that has major climate impacts in our region.
Media Coverage
- From the Seattle Times Editorial Board: http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/pressure-puget-sound-energy-to-abandon-all-coal
“By 2025, the only significant coal-generating facilities in the Northwest will be two power plants in Colstrip, Montana. Puget Sound Energy owns 25 percent of Colstrip Units 3 and 4, drawing dirty power into the Puget Sound region that is about 30 percent cheaper than cleaner sources.
The utility [PSE] has no intention of letting go, and is preparing to renew a coal supply agreement that expires in 2019 with a new 10-year agreement, said Ronald Roberts, PSE’s director of thermal resources.”
- From the Billings Gazette: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/colstrip-residents-face-uncertain-future-as-pressures-build-on-coal/article_b726eb29-ad56-558f-a2b3-ca8f8aa171ea.html
- Official UTC call for Public Comments:https://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=456