Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) announced today a major milestone in the utility’s sustainability efforts.
Thanks to strong collaboration with power supply partners, UEC’s carbon emissions plummeted 65% in 2023 when compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest level since 2018.
Over 75% of UEC’s 2023 power supply came from low-carbon resources such as hydroelectric dams across the northwest and solar generated right here in UEC’s service territory. In addition, UEC met its annual renewable energy target again in 2023 under Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).
UEC provides electrical service to one of the fastest-growing regions in Oregon. This rapid growth presents significant challenges, however, particularly in sourcing enough renewable energy to meet the steadily rising demand for power in the Pacific Northwest.
UEC prioritizes reducing emissions by strengthening relationships with power supply partners to acquire clean, reliable energy. This approach not only helps UEC meet regulatory standards but also aligns with its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
In addition to reducing emissions, UEC supports an industry-leading energy efficiency program designed to help members in residential, agricultural, and industrial sectors reduce their energy consumption.
“Energy efficiency plays a key role in offsetting a growing demand for power. Every kilowatt-hour saved reduces what we need to purchase from the market, which cannot always be filled by renewable resources,” said General Manager and CEO Robert Echenrode. “Our team consistently advocates for these programs and educates members on opportunities to save. It’s an essential component in our efforts to create a sustainable, low-carbon future.”
Over the last five years alone, UEC’s efficiency programs have collectively saved more than 250 million kilowatt hours (kWh). That is enough electricity to power roughly 3,600 Oregon homes for a year. More than ten times the average residential growth in UEC’s service territory.
The cooperative has a long history of supporting clean power generation. It advocates for dependable, zero-carbon hydropower in the northwest and has invested in other renewable resources such as solar generation and a rooftop solar program available to its members.
In 2016, UEC energized the Moyer-Tolles Solar Station just north of Hermiston to gain insight and experience with renewable resources. The system – UEC’s first utility-scale generation plant – is a 1.3-megawatt (DC) solar generating project capable of supplying the equivalent of 112 all-electric homes.
“We continue to solicit lower-emission resources – when affordable – the challenge is an inadequate supply of low carbon power available in the market,” said Echenrode. “Our progress in reducing emissions demonstrates UEC’s dedication to a sustainable future.”
