Power

The Public Power Council represents its members on a multitude of issues related to power rates and supply.  PPC focuses on Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) ratemaking, revenue requirements and policies.  In addition, PPC engages with BPA, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and other agencies on issues related to power planning and conservation.

Service to Direct-Service Industrial Customers:

PPC submits comments on BPA's latest request for comment on proposed long-term power sales to Alcoa and Columbia Falls Aluminum. In a letter dated, November 9, 2009, PPC restated its opposition to any service to direct-service industrial customers (DSIs) that comes at the expense of preference customers and their end-use consumers. BPA no longer has an obligation to serve the DSIs and is permitted to do so only if sound business reasons underlie such actions. In the case of the proposed contracts with Alcoa and Columbia Falls Aluminum, BPA has failed to demonstrate that sound business reasons underlie its proposal. Click here to view the letter.

NW Congressional delegation members, led by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, sent BPA a letter urging the agency to not proceed with proposed power sale contracts with two direct-service industrial customers. The NW congressional delegation members point to "significant legal and physical limits" on future service that the proposed contracts do not resolve. Joining Senator Wyden on the letter are Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and James E. Risch (R-ID), and Congressmen Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Mike Simpson (R-ID) and David Wu (D-OR). Click here to view the letter.

PPC sends BPA a letter urging immediate initiation of the DSI "Lookback provisions" and the development of a provisions for refunding to preference customers charges improperly included in their rates. PPC also seeks resolution of the "lookback" issues prior to the execution of any new power sale contract or contract amendment with the DSIs for the period starting October 1, 2009. PPC was joined in this letter by Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative, the Industrial Customers of NW Utilities, Northwest Requirements Utilities, Western Public Agencies Group, Washington Public Utility Districts Association, Northwest Public Power Association, Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association, Western Montana Electric G&T Cooperative, Inc., Washington Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Oregon Municipal Electric Utilities Association, Oregon Rural Electric Cooperatives Association and the Oregon People's Utility Districts Association. Click Here to view the letter.

PPC Submits Comments on BPA's "Term Sheet" for Service to Alcoa after Fiscal Year 2009. In response to BPA's request, PPC has submitted comments on the terms BPA has agreed upon with Alcoa for service to the DSI after 2009. To view this comments click here.

To view a compilation of comments on BPA's "Term Sheet" for Service to Alcoa on BPA's web site click here.

NW Power and Conservation Council's 6th Power Plan:

PPC Comments on the Council's Draft 6th Power Plan. On November 4, 2009, PPC submitted comments on the Council's Draft 6th Northwest Power Plan. To view the comments click here.

Joint Utilities Response to the Bright Future Paper: To view a summary of the Utilities' Joint Response to the Bright Future Paper ...Click Here; To view the Response Analysis...Click Here

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