SALEM, Ore.-Consumer-owned utilities across Oregon sent a letter to Governor Tina Kotek on March 9 concerning her support for a recent court order regarding the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS).
On February 25, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon ruled that the spill over eight dams should be increased and ordered that reservoir levels remain at 2025 operating levels.
“It is reasonable to conclude that the listed species prognosis is as bad as-or worse than-it has ever been,” Judge Simon said of the threats facing salmon and steelhead in his opinion on the case.
Governor Kotek praised the ruling on February 26, saying the changes “will have modest impacts on power generation, our ability to meet peak demand, and our region’s overall ability to maintain a reliable, affordable power system.”
Coordinated by the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), the leaders of utilities across Oregon sent a letter expressing concern that the ruling could result in reduced hydropower, higher electrical rates, and reliability concerns for members and customers.
“Initial estimates indicate the court-ordered operational changes could result in an immediate wholesale power cost increase of about 6 percent,” utility leaders wrote in their letter. “When combined with other operational cost adjustments already underway, total increases could reach approximately 17 percent.”
Hydropower from the Columbia River system is also essential in maintaining electrical grid stability around the region, and could be impacted by operational changes, according to the utilities.
“During periods of high demand or limited generation, hydropower has historically helped balance the grid and maintain consistent electric service across the region.”
The letter, signed by the leaders of 35 utilities from both sides of Oregon, including Robert Echenrode, President and CEO of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC), and Nate Rivera, Manager of Hermiston Energy Services, also asks for direct engagement from Gov. Kotek’s Office regarding changes to the FCRPS.
According to the letter sent to Gov. Kotek, consumer-owned utilities are seeking further conversation and clarification regarding possible electricity rate impacts, regional reliability concerns, and how changes to hydropower operations can be addressed over the long-term.
