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Media Summary
Contact Carol Winkel
for more information. Also see archive.
Overview for April 24 - July 30, 2001
Early summer media focused on the Bonneville Power Administration's
curtailment of spill this year given the region's drought conditions, and
the Council's support of that decision. Many papers covered the
growing development of gas-fired power plants, and the Council's guarded
winter forecast was also mentioned in several articles.
APRIL 2001
From the Editor--Fisherman's News, Seattle, WA
Editorial argues that federal agencies mandated to protect and manage
fisheries need to take action to help threatened and endangered salmon in
this drought year. Mentions the Council: "Just recently, the
Northwest Power Planning Council recommended that big industrial users cut
their demand."
APRIL 24
Power Supply Gets Eye--The Observer, La Grande, OR
Brief notice on the Council's meeting in Spokane: "The council,
meeting here through Thursday, is expected to make recommendations to
federal agencies about balancing power needs against those of fish and
wildlife during a drought year."
APRIL 27
Council Backs Spilling Some Water for Fish--The Daily World,
Aberdeen, WA
AP story on the Council's recommendation for limited spill at the
John Day, The Dalles and Bonneville dams: "The council said that
reduced spills from the dams, plus conservation measures and emergency
generation of hydropower that would lower reservoirs more than normal,
should provide benefits to migrating fish while ensuring a reasonably
reliable power supply this summer." Also appears in The Morning News,
Blackfoot, ID; and The Capital Press, Salem, OR.
APRIL 28
Governor: Oregon Can Help Fish and Prevent Blackouts--The
Gazette-Times, Corvallis, OR
Story on Gov. Kitzhaber's speech to government agencies
representatives, a reprise of his address to the Council: "?Kitzhaber
said the BPA's recommendations for dealing with the power crunch do not
significantly address environmental concerns."
APRIL 30
Drought Forcing Hard Choices--The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA
AP story on the dilemma this year of tying to balance the region's
energy needs with the needs of endangered salmon. Mentions the Council:
"The Northwest Power Planning Council, an advisory panel, has
recommended the spillage requirement be dropped through summer."
Power Outlook Grim--The Observer, La Grande, OR
AP story the region's strained power supply and the contributing
factors cited in an earlier summary. Quotes Council staff: "In 1977
?how many people had cell phones, faxes, DVDs, home computers??We
barely had electronic calculators,? said spokesman John Harrison with
the four-state Northwest Power Planning Council."
Tri-Cities Plant to Be Off-line for a Month--The Longview Daily
News, Longview, WA
AP story on the shut down of the Northwest's only nuclear power
plant for refueling. Mentions the Council: "But water isn't
plentiful this year, although the Northwest Power Planning Council has
said the region can probably squeak through the summer without rolling
blackouts."
MAY 11
BPA Pledges $2.5 Million for Mazama Easement Project--The Wenatchee
World, Wenatchee, WA
Story on Bonneville's plan to spend $15 million in the Columbia
River Basin, including the purchase of conservation easements on the
Arrowleaf property near Mazama. Mentions the Council: "Last November,
Bonneville and the Northwest Power Planning Council jointly asked for
proposals to speed up fish recovery." Also appears in The Longview
Daily News, Longview, WA; the Bulletin, Bend, OR; The Observer, La Grande,
OR; The Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA; and the Democrat-Herald, Albany,
OR.
Company Considering Plant Expansion--The Idaho Press-Tribune,
Caldwell, ID
AP story on the possible expansion of a natural gas plant scheduled to
be built in Rathdrum, Idaho. Mentions the Council: "The region will
need an additional 3,000 megawatts by 2003, according to figures compiled
by the Northwest Power Planning Council." Also appears in The
Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID.
Power Planners Back Plan to Trade Water for Power--The Lewiston
Tribune, Lewiston, ID
AP story on the Council's support of a Grant County utility's plan
to spill less water for fish from its Columbia River dams in exchange for
power generation. Quotes Council Chair: "?We need all the spill
possible for the benefit of fish, and it also is important in this drought
year to ensure there is no net loss of energy,? council Chairman Larry
Cassidy said." Also appears in The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA;
The Daily News, Moscow, ID; The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA; The
Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA; Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima,
WA; The Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA; The Tri-City Herald,
Kennwick, WA; The Press, Coeur D?Alene, ID; The Walla Walla
Union-Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA; and The Grant County Journal, Ephrata,
WA.
MAY 12
Reach Water Levels to Plummet; Power operators cut Columbia flows to
save for summer--The Tri-City
Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on the low water levels in the Hanford Reach as power operators
limit Columbia River flows to save water for summer. Quotes Council Chair:
"?We just barely broke even,? said Larry Cassidy, chairman of the
Northwest Power Planning Council, which oversees regional fish recovery
efforts."
MAY 14
Molten Metal Flows Despite Intalco's Woes; More questions and
answers clarify region's struggle with electricity--The
Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA
The second part of a series on the issues surrounding the fight for
Bonneville's inexpensive power. Mentions the Council: "But as far
back as the 1980s, the Northwest Power Planning Council was predicting a
regional power deficit that would hit sometime between 1995 and 2005,
depending on the growth in demand."
What Are They Waiting For? Likely power disruptions should spur
legislators to conservation--The
Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
Editorial advocating conservation as the best short-term solution to
the energy crunch. Cites the Council's analysis: "The Power Council
has concluded that reducing load and conserving electricity is the only
short-term solution."
Legislator Named to Power Council--The Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston,
ID
AP story on Judi Danielson's appointment as one of Idaho's
representatives on the Council. Also appears in The Idaho Statesman,
Boise, ID; and The Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID.
Danielson a Good Choice for NWPPC--The Daily Argus Observer,
Ontario, OR
Editorial praising the appointment of Judi Danielson:
"Experience, trust and leadership is something the Northwest Power
Planning Council can expect to see now that Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has
appointed Judi Danielson to the council."
MAY 16
Tighter Supplies Likely to Lead to Higher Prices in Montana,
Officials Say--The Tribune, Great Falls, MT
Story on the expectation of price hikes due to the energy shortfall
this year. Quotes Council staff: "Much of that power, [not used by
the state each year] however, is already reserved for parties outside the
state, said John Hines, an economist at the Northwest Power Planning
Council, a federal group overseeing energy and wildlife issues."
Endangered Species Act Here to Stay, Challenges Continue for
Agencies--The Daily Journal of Commerce, Portland, OR
Interesting story on a seminar sponsored by an environmental
consulting firm on the Endangered Species Act. The seminar focused on the
challenges ESA requirements present for local communities. Mentions the
Council in relation to the EDT model: "EDT was designed originally by
Lars Mobrand at Mobrand Biometrics Inc. in Vashon, Wash., and has been
used by the Northwest Power Planning Council and others to develop fish
and wildlife plans for the Columbia Basin?"
MAY 17
New Member of Power Panel Wastes No Time; Former state senator takes
interest in natural resource issues to the table--Lewiston Tribune,
Lewiston, ID
Good background story on Council member Judi Danielson.
BPA, Alcoa Accord Closes Plant to Save Power--The Post-Register,
Idaho Falls, ID
AP story on Bonneville's agreement to pay Alcoa Inc. to shut down
its Ferndale, Washington plant for up to two years to save about 400
megawatts of electricity. Quotes Council staff: "Dick Watson, the
council's power planning division director, said his forecast of
available power in the region for the next year?will take into account
expected decline in electricity use due to rising rates, and the
possibility of new generating plants in Oregon and Idaho beginning
production."
Northwest May Face Rolling Blackouts This Winter--The
Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
AP story on the precarious energy forecast for the coming winter.
Quotes Council staff:
"?it's safe to say we are concerned about fall and winter,?
said John Harrison, spokesman for the four-state Northwest Power Planning
Council, which helps set priorities for regional hydropower use and
dam-related wildlife concerns." Also appears in The Walla Walla
Union-Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA; The Longview Daily News, Longview, WA;
The Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA; The Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima,
WA; The South County Journal, Kent, WA; The Daily News, Moscow, ID; The
Eastside Journal, Bellevue, WA; The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA; The
Register Guard, Eugene, OR; The Chronicle, Centralia, WA; and The Grant
County Journal, Ephrata, WA.
Energy Gets Down and Dirty--The
Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA
Story on the use of temporary diesel generators as a stop gap measure
during the energy crunch. Quotes Council staff: "?I suppose it's
better than having the lights go out, but on the other hand, you don't
want these operating long,? said Jeff King, senior resource analyst for
the Northwest Power Planning Council. ?Their air emissions are
incredibly high compared to power plants.?"
Winter Power Forecast Improves Slightly--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on the Council's forecast update. Quotes Council staff: "?We
are finding more resources and more conservation,? said Fazio."
Also appears in abbreviated form in The South County Journal, Kent, WA;
and The Eastside Journal, Bellevue, WA.
MAY 18
BPA Has $15 Mill. For Fish--The Capital Press, Salem, OR
Brief AP item on Bonneville's funding for high priority projects to
benefit ESA-listed salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Notes
that Bonneville and "the Northwest Power Planning Council?asked for
proposals to speed up fish recovery."
Plan to Remove Dam Runs Into Delays--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on the prospect of removing Condit Dam on the White Salmon
River. Quotes Council Chair: "Larry Cassidy, chairman of the
Northwest Power Planning Council, downplayed the dam's role in meeting
future power demands in the region. ?Condit Dam clearly is an expensive
and inefficient source of electricity,? said Cassidy, a Vancouver
resident and longtime fishing activist."
MAY 19
Council Says Outlook May Not Be So Gloomy--The Longview Daily News,
Longview, WA
Story on the improved power forecast for summer. Combines Council
staff comments from John Harrison and John Fazio. Also appears in The
Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA; and The Sun, Bremerton, WA.
Region Can Revive Push for Renewable Energy Sources--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Op ed by David V. Yaden, a former director of the Oregon Department of
Energy and K.C. Golden, a former director of the Washington state energy
policy office, on how the current energy crunch should refocus the region
on conservation efforts. Mentions the Council: "Responding to the
collapse of WPPSS in the early 1980s, the Portland-based Northwest Power
Planning Council found that improving efficiency was much cheaper than
building new plants."
MAY 20
Warning: Blackouts Possible; Demand in Eastern Oregon may outpace
supply this winter--The East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR
Feature story on the energy outlook this winter for Eastern Oregon.
Mentions the Council: "A regional Energy Response Team--made up of
power companies, federal entities, the Northwest Power Planning Council
and other power control offices and the four northwestern states--can make
a conclusion that the power supply is dangerously low."
Can Nuclear Make Comeback?--The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Walla
Walla, WA
Story on the prospects of nuclear energy as a resource option. The
Council's analysis is cited and Council staffer Jeff King is quoted:
"The council estimated conservation alone could produce more power
for the region than firing up WNP-1, which is designed to produce 1,300
megawatts of power. Conservation could generate at least 1,500 to 1,600
megawatts. ?Nuclear has to be viewed in the context that we have other
options, ? King said. ?Conservation, gas, wind and solar will be an
option. It would be an option now if we were willing to spend the money.?"
BPA is Wrong to Discriminate Against Power-hungry Northwest
Smelters--The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA
Op ed by former chairman and member of the Northwest Power Planning
Council Tom Trulove. In his essay he takes exception to Bonneville's
"?approach, what it is doing to citizens in parts of this region,
and about BPA launching a fratricidal war between its customer classes?"
MAY 22
Nuclear Power Getting a Bad Rap--The East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR
Op ed by Chuck Norris, a former state representative. In his essay he
objects to the negative depiction of nuclear power and mentions the
Council: "On March 14, 2000, I testified before the Power Committee
of the Northwest Power Planning Council, strongly urging them to include
nuclear power in their menu of alternatives to fill our growing power gap.
My effort was not rewarded with a meaningful response, then or
since."
Home Energy Conservation--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Feature story on how much energy is consumed by a variety of
appliances and electronic devices. Lists the Council as an informational
resource.
Despite Warnings, Conservation in Short Supply--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the public's "lackluster" response to calls for
conservation. Mentions the Council: "In 1993, utilities collectively
spent $290 million to promote conservation, according to the Northwest
Power Planning Council." Also appears in The Eastside Journal,
Bellevue, WA; and The South County Journal, Kent, WA.
MAY 23
Kempton Fears Energy Crunch Will Last Two Years--The Times-News,
Twin Falls, ID
Story on Council member Jim Kempton's address to the Burley Rotary
luncheon: "Because of low water levels from an ongoing drought, a
Northwest Power Planning Council member said Tuesday that residents in
this section of the country can expect a power crunch for at least the
next two years."
Today's Heat May Set 3rd Straight Record--The Mail
Tribune, Medford, OR
Story on the hot weather's effect on water use. Quotes Council
staff: "There was plenty of electricity to drive air conditioners,
fans and pumps, and power planners believe they can avoid shortages in
Oregon during the summer, said John Harrison, a spokesman for the
Northwest Power Planning Council in Portland."
Don't Delay Funding for Energy Trust--The
Register-Guard, Eugene, OR
Op ed encouraging the implementation of Senate Bill 1149 which deals
with utility deregulation and also includes funding for the nonprofit
Energy Trust of Oregon, which is to spearhead statewide energy efficiency
efforts. Mentions the Council: "Things are likely to get even worse
next winter, with a 20 percent chance of supply disruptions that could
mean rolling blackouts here, according to the Northwest Power Planning
Council."
Power Supplies Expected to Last Through Summer--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on the improved power scenario for summer, along with the costs
to fish. Quotes Council staff: "?The summer is looking better, but
we still have a lot of concern about the fall and winter,? said John
Harrison, power council spokesman."
Columbia River Spills Pit Fish Against Energy--The Puget Sound
Business Journal, Seattle, WA
A column on the controversy over whether or not to spill water at the
dams this year. Mentions the Council: "Not spilling water at Priest
Rapid and Wanapum dams "slightly reduces" the survival chances of two
runs of juvenile spring and chinook steelhead, according to The Northwest
Power Planning Council."
MAY 25
A Captain in Stormy Seas--The Portland Tribune, Portland, OR
Feature story on Bonneville's Acting Administrator Stephen J.
Wright. Quotes Council staff: "[Mark] Walker was a staff aide to
former Sen. Mark O. Hatfield, R-Ore., when he met Wright, then head of the
BPA's Washington, D.C., office, a job in which the future BPA chief
developed ?finely honed political skills,? Walker says."
MAY 26
Energy Crisis is Easing, for Now--The World, Coos Bay, OR
AP story on the Council's news conference and forecast for summer.
Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy and Council staffer Dick Watson. Also
appears in The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA; The Gazette-Times, Corvallis,
OR; The Observer, La Grande, OR; The Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID; The
Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID; The East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR; The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA; The Longview Daily News, Longview, WA;
The Democrat-Herald, Albany, OR; The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA; The
News-Review, Roseburg, OR; The Daily Argus Observer, Ontario, OR; The
Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA; The Bulletin, Bend, OR; The Yakima
Herald Republic, Yakima, WA; The Olympian, Olympia, WA; The
Register-Guard, Eugene, OR; and The Seattle Times, Seattle, WA; The
Wahkiadum Co. Eagle, Cathlamet, WA; and The Capital Press, Salem, OR.
Summer Blackouts Unlikely--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the Council's news conference and forecast. Quotes Council
Chair Larry Cassidy, Council member Eric Bloch and staffer Dick Watson.
Rosier Power Outlook Spills into Fish Protection--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on the continuation of spills at Bonneville and The Dalles dams,
and plans to begin spilling at McNary and John Day dams as a result of the
more favorable energy outlook for summer: "A new analysis by the
power planning council cleared the way for helping fish."
MAY 30
Power Council Sees Some Light in Drought; Region can continue to
benefit from conservation--The Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA
Story on the Council's improved forecast for the summer energy
situation: "In a Friday (May 25) announcement, the Power Council said
the probability of power shortages in the coming winter has been reduced
from 20 to 17 percent."
Summer Power Outlook Sunnier--The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA
Story on the Council's forecast. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy:
"?The crisis is not over, but the situation has improved,? agreed
Larry Cassidy, chairman of the Northwest Power Planning Council."
BPA Continues to Spill Water to Help Migrating Salmon--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on Bonneville's decision to spill water at Bonneville, The
Dalles, John Day and McNary dams. Notes the Council's analysis:
"The Northwest Power Planning Council last week issued an analysis
that downplayed the chance of rolling blackouts in the Northwest this
summer--primarily due to curtailments in energy-intensive industries such
as aluminum."
Targeted Energy Assistance Should Be Extent of Relief--The Longview
Daily News, Longview, WA
Editorial contends that the energy situation "?is a
supply-demand problem at bottom," and that the region "?has
essentially ignored the need to develop new supplies over the past
decade." Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power Planning
Council has reported that demand for electricity grew 24 percent over the
past 10 years, while generating capacity grew by only 4 percent."
JUNE 1
High Electricity Rates Must Stop, But How Eludes Sen. Burns--The
Tribune, Great Falls, MT
Story on legislators? quandary over how to address the expected
electricity rate hikes in the Flathead Valley. Quotes Council staff:
"Even when the production problems are solved, the region still faces
transmission obstacles, said John Hines of the Northwest Power Planning
Council."
The Market Takes Us to School--The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA
Editorial on the energy shortage and its lessons. Mentions the Council's
forecast of a 24 percent chance of a blackout in the next few years:
"At the time that report didn't get much notice outside the usual
policy circles. It did not get extensive press coverage. It barely rose
above the background notice in the halls of power. Energy strategies did
not change noticeably. One drought later and that gloomy report looks, if
anything, like the work of optimists."
Higher Prices Are Coming; BPA and utilities anticipate having to
increase electricity rates later this year--The Portland Tribune,
Portland, OR
Cover story on the changing energy scenario and the numerous
uncertainties that make forecasting difficult. Quotes the Council and
Council Chair Larry Cassidy: "?We're in a constant state of flux
analyzing all the factors,? said Larry Cassidy, chairman of the
Northwest Power Planning Council, responsible for evaluating the regional
power supply."
JUNE 2
Spilling of Water for Fish to Go On; Release of dam water to be
week-by-week decision, BPA says--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on federal operators? decision to continue spilling water to
help migrating juvenile salmon. Mentions the Council: "The Northwest
Power Planning Council cites its own figures showing 2 percent to 10
percent of fish shooting past each turbine on the river will die."
JUNE 6
More Power for Upper Columbia Salmon Board on Agenda--The Methow
Valley News, Twisp, WA
Story on a regional forum sponsored by the Upper Columbia Salmon
Recovery Board and a Joint Natural Resources Cabinet that includes the
Council. The need for better coordination of salmon recovery efforts,
echoed by state officials and lawmakers in the story, was a key theme. The
story noted that Council Chair Larry Cassidy was part of the panel
discussion.
Estimates Brighter for Power; Northwest still has problems, but
outlook for supply is good--The
Seattle Times, Seattle, WA
Story on the improving energy outlook for summer and fall, mostly
because of the anticipated increase in power supplies coming on line
sooner than predicted. Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power
Planning Council announced May 25 that power supplies are expected to be
reliable throughout the summer with no risk of blackouts."
JUNE 7
Energy Debate Not About Politics--The Snoqualmie Valley Record,
Snoqualmie, WA
Op ed on the energy situation contends that "?the energy debate
has been hijacked by politics." Mentions the Council: "In truth,
we are all to blame for the spot we're in. The Northwest Power Planning
Council has been warning us for years that this day would come, but most
of us turned a deaf ear." Also appears in The Valley News Herald,
Spokane, WA.
BPA Expects Minimal Pain From New Rate--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on Bonneville's projection of a 75 percent utility rate
increase this fall. Quotes Council staff: "Separately, an analyst
with the Northwest Power Planning Council said Wednesday that the chances
of blackouts in the region are dropping because of demand reduction and
because new power generation is scheduled to come on line."
JUNE 10
Montanan's Idea Streams in to Help Fish--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on a possible project to build new streams around Snake River
dams using a cement solution called Gunite. The story notes that the
proponents of this idea have presented it to the Council. Quotes Council
Chair Larry Cassidy: "?I was impressed,? said Larry Cassidy,
council chairman appointed by Gov. Gary Locke to the four-state board. ?I
would personally support spending some money to find out if it's
feasible and to get some science review on it."
Electricity Price Caps Face Dim Prospects--The
Sunday Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the proposed legislation by Sen. Gordon Smith and co-sponsor
Sen. Diane Feinstein ordering price controls on wholesale electricity in
the West. Quotes Council staff on the improving supply situation: "?it's
a combination of things that seem to have added up to a very useful
reduction of load,? said Ken Corum, an economist with the Northwest
Power Planning Council.
JUNE 12
Barges Tote Fish Past River Dams--The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA
Story on the use of trucks and barges to carry fish to Columbia's
estuary this year because of the drought. Quotes Independent Scientific
Review Panel member: "?In a year like this, transportation may make
more sense because life in the river becomes harder and harder and getting
around the dams becomes harder and harder,? said Rick Williams, a Boise
area college professor who chairs the Northwest Power Planning Council's
Independent Scientific Review Panel."
JUNE 14
Dam-bypass Streams Merit Consideration--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Editorial on the idea of a Missoula swimming pool contractor to build
streams around the dams. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy and notes:
"At least Cassidy and the council are pragmatic enough to want to
investigate whether the Gunite streams might help salmon."
A Future for Aluminum--The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA
Editorial on the plan to save Alcoa Wenatchee Works. Mentions the
Council: "A Northwest Power Planning Council analysis noted that
regional power outlook is now much more positive because, ?Demand for
power has declined significantly in recent months, but this is largely as
the result of industrial cutbacks that have cost the region thousands of
jobs.?"
Avista Increases Target for Energy Conservation--The Journal of
Business, Spokane, WA
Story on Avista Utilities? goal for greater conservation from
customers. Mentions the Council: "In a recent newsletter, the
Northwest Power Planning Council said that during the ?80s and part of
the ?90s, conservation programs saved an average of 1,440 megawatts of
electricity demand?"
JUNE 16
BPA Will Offer Aid in Darkest Hours--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on Bonneville's agreement with California to send excess power
to that state in the event of a power emergency. Mentions the Council:
"A study by the Northwest Power Planning Council predicts a 17
percent likelihood of shortages this winter."
JUNE 20
EWEB Prepares for Crisis in Supply--The
Register-Guard, Eugene, OR
Story on the Eugene Water & Electric Board's plans to deal with
a major energy shortage. Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power
Planning Council, which monitors energy supplies in the four-state region,
estimates that there is a 17 percent probability of energy shortages this
winter."
Water, Salmon and Power; rethinking the relationship--The Source,
Bend, OR
Cover story on rethinking how our region uses water: "We need to
shift our thinking so that we begin to fit ourselves and our means of
surviving to the landscape and watershed, and not the other way
around." Cites the Council's recommendation: "The Northwest
Power Planning Council, which advocates a new power pricing structure,
reports that ?the disconnect between real-time wholesale prices and
retail prices is a fundamental deficiency in the electricity market??"
Energy Crisis Not Over Yet--The Enumclaw Courier-Herald, Enumclaw,
WA
AP story on Gov. Locke's meeting with utility executives and urging
to the public to continue conservation efforts. Mentions the Council:
"The Northwest Power Planning Council is forecasting a 12 - to
17-percent chance of blackouts occurring in Washington this fall and
winter."
JUNE 22
Speaking from the Hot Seat, BPA Chief States His Case--The Vancouver
Business Journal, Vancouver, WA
Interview with Stephen Wright. Mentions the Council: "My
predecessor, Judi Johnson (sic) warned three years ago that a shortage was
coming, as did the Northwest Power Planning Council."
JUNE 24
there's Something in the Air: Wind Power--The
Seattle Times/Post Intelligencer
Cover story on wind power developments in the Northwest. Quotes
Council staff: "Wind alone provides just 0.1 percent of the region's
power, according to Jeff King, senior resource analyst at the Northwest
Power Planning Council."
JUNE 27
Tell BPA Not to Shut Down Industry--The Newport Miner, Newport, WA
Editorial criticizing the shut down of aluminum industries and
advocates, somewhat facetiously, "?a two year shut down of the
meetings of the boards of directors of the Bonneville Power
Administration, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Northwest Power
Planning Council and utility companies."
PUD Planning for Blackouts--The Herald, Everett, WA
Story on the Snohomish County PUD's development of a plan of action
in case of rolling blackouts this winter. Cites the Council's forecast:
"With a recent report from the Northwest Power Planning Council that
there's a 17 percent chance of blackouts in the region next winter?"
JUNE 28
Council Asks BPA to Make Power Top Priority--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the Council's recommendation to Bonneville on summer
operation of the region's hydropower system: "Faced with the
challenge of ensuring enough power for the region and providing water for
threatened fish this summer, the Northwest Power Planning Council proved
reluctant Wednesday to endorse any action that might increase the risk of
blackouts." Also appears in The Columbian, Vancouver, WA; The Herald
& News, Klamath Falls, OR; The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR; The
Olympian, Olympia, WA; The Bulletin, Bend, OR; The Idaho State Journal,
Pocatello, ID; The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA; The
Herald, Baker City, OR; The Daily Courier, Grants Pass, OR; The East
Oregonian, Pendleton, OR; The Democrat Herald, Albany, OR; The Wenatchee
World, Wenatchee, WA; The Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID; The Idaho
Press-Tribune, Caldwell, ID; and The Curry Coastal Pilot, Brookings, OR.
BPA Made the Right Decision to Favor Power--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Op ed by Scott Corwin, PNGC, applauds Bonneville's decision to
curtail spill this summer. Mentions the Council: "A similar study by
the Northwest Power Planning Council showed that only two fish out of
1,000 might be helped."
Power or Fish; Northwest Power Planning Council made the only
decision it could--The East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR
Editorial lauding the Council's decision to make power a priority
this year: "Northwest Power Planning members did the right thing
Wednesday when they decided to make electricity reliability their top
priority for the coming months at the possible expense of fish." Also
appears in The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR.
JUNE 29
Power Woes Hurt Fish Operations--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on federal power officials plan for operation of the dams this
summer, and the likelihood of no spill to help fish. Quotes Council staff:
"?There is power out there now, go secure it--get it in your hand
and then spill,? said John Harrison, power council spokesman. ?If you
can't get power at decent prices?then don't (spill).?"
JULY 1
State Must Produce, Transport More Power to Stay Competitive, Energy
Officials Say--The Tribune, Great Falls, MT
Story on potential opportunities for the state of Montana created by
the energy shortage. Quotes Council member Giacametto: "?Giacametto
said the state could take advantage of current conditions, generate more
electricity and sell that electricity to places that can pay high
prices."
BPA to Halt Spills of Water Over Dams--The East Oregonian,
Pendleton, OR
Story on Bonneville's spill decision. Quotes Council member
Brogoitti: "John Brogiotti of Pendleton, one of two members of the
Northwest Power Planning Council from Oregon, supported the BPA's
decision, saying the body had no other choice."
JULY 2
Tough, Right Decision--The World, Coos Bay, OR
Editorial lauding the Council's decision regarding summer spill:
"Northwest Power Planning Council members did the right thing
Wednesday when they decided to make electricity reliability their top
priority for the coming months at the possible expense of fish." Also
appears in the Statesman Journal, Salem, OR.
JULY 4
Area Leaders Talk Jobs, Power with BPA--The Valley News Herald,
Spokane, WA
Story on a Spokane delegation's meeting with Bonneville officials to
address the energy shortage and also preserve regional jobs. Notes the
Council's forecast: "The Northwest Planning Council [sic] has
established a probability of winter blackouts or rolling blackouts at 17
percent--three times more than the usual 5-percent probability."
JULY 6
BPA Says It Won't Spill Water This Summer for Salmon--The
Chronicle, Centralia, WA
Story on Bonneville's decision to forego summer spill. Quotes Acting
Administrator Steve Wright citing a Council recommendation: "This
includes adopting a recommendation from the Northwest Power Planning
Council to fund about $20 million in emergency projects to partially
offset the impact of reduced spring spill on fish."
JULY 8
Northwest's New Source of Electricity: Natural Gas--The
Sunday Oregonian, Portland, OR
Feature story on the growth in development of gas-fired power plants.
Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power Planning Council, which
monitors electricity supplies, estimates that power producers will add
roughly 3,700 megawatts to the Northwest portion of the system by January
2003." Also appears in The Longview Daily News, Longview, WA; The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA; The Chronicle, Centralia, WA; The
News-Review, Roseburg, OR; The Democrat Herald, Albany, OR; The Daily
Courier, Grants Pass, OR; The World, Coos Bay, OR; The Daily Tidings,
Ashland, OR; The Herald & News, Klamath Falls, OR; The Daily Astorian,
Astoria, OR; The East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR; The Bulletin, Bend, OR;
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, WA; The Statesman Journal, Salem,
OR; The Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima, WA; The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR;
The Gazette-Times, Corvallis, OR; The Idaho Press-Tribune, Caldwell, ID;
The Daily Journal of Commerce, Portland, OR; The Spokesman Review,
Spokane, WA; The Grant County Journal, Ephrata, WA; and The Nugget,
Sisters, OR.
Squeezing Out Sparks--The Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID
Feature story on the region's conservation efforts. Mentions the
Council: "At the time, [late 1970s and early 1980s] the Northwest
Power Planning Council had decided it would take numerous coal-fired and
nuclear plants to keep pace with the region's burgeoning demand?But
through conservation, most of them were never needed."
Upgrading the ?Grid?--The
Register Guard, Eugene, OR
Feature story on Bonneville's plans to upgrade and expand its
transmission system. Quotes Council staff: "?They're in a world
of hurt,? says John Harrison of the Northwest Power Planning Council,
which monitors the BPA and the region's power supply. ?The whole
system is suffering all kinds of blips and burps?The answer to the
energy crisis is not just generation; it's transmission.?"
JULY 9
BPA's Spill Decision Sells Salmon Down the River--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Op ed critical of Bonneville's decision to not spill water at the
dams this summer. Includes the Council in that criticism: "BPA
conveniently ignored that requirement and relied instead on an analysis by
the Northwest Power Planning Council to substantiate their no-spill
decision--an analysis that was roundly criticized by federal, state and
tribal salmon scientists because of several flaws, which, together vastly
understate the substantial benefits of spill."
Steps Devised to Help Spawning Salmon--The
Columbian, Vancouver WA
Story on the emergency measures Bonneville is considering to help fish
in lieu of spill this summer. Mentions the Council: "The Northwest
Power Planning Council has recommended spending $24.2 million on 21
projects--most in Washington state--designed to help fish
immediately."
Tribe Joins Agencies in Fish Mitigation Study--The Omak-Okanogan
County Chronicle, Omak, WA
Story on the Colville Tribe's collaboration on a project to test an
underwater lighting system designed to deter fish from entering turbines
at Grand Coulee Dam. Mentions the Council: "?efforts through the
Northwest Power Planning Council and Bonneville Power Administration to
mitigate the losses [of anadromous fish runs] have been ongoing, said the
tribal announcement."
JULY 11
Snohomish PUD Planning for the Future--The Herald, Everett, WA
Op ed by Cynthia First of the Snohomish County PUD, on the policies
and steps they are pursuing to assure customers stable, low electricity
rates. Mentions the Council: "According to the Northwest Power
Planning Council, the entire Northwest region faces up to a 17 percent
chance of rolling blackouts during the fall/winter seasons."
We Need a New Way to Pay, and We Need to Protect Our Power--The
Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA
Op ed by Council member Tom Karier: "We must look for better ways
to allocate Bonneville's power, both to avoid this problem in the future
and to secure the benefits of the system for the long term." Also
appears in The Columbian, Vancouver, WA; and The South County Journal,
Kent, WA.
Utilities Not Up to Par for Prediction--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Small story on a speech by economist Jan Brady to the Pasco-Kennewick
Rotary Club in which she states that neither Bonneville nor the Northwest
Power Planning Council have the ability to make long-term predictions
about power demands and production: "No one is orchestrating how this
vast amount of generation is being built."
BPA Unveils $10 million Salmon Plan--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on Bonneville's funding for short-term strategies to help fish
during the drought. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy:
"Extraordinary weather and market conditions justify the federal
decision to scrap spills this summer, Cassidy said, but it shouldn't set
a precedent for the years to come."
JULY 16
A Rush for New Power Plants--The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA
Feature story on the boom to develop natural gas-fired combustion
turbine generators south of Puyallup. Quotes Council staff: "?Over
the next 10 to 15 years we'll need to double gas capacity in this
region,? said Terry Morlan, manager of economic analysis for the
Northwest Power Planning Council."
JULY 19
Prices for Power Frustrate Providers--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on how lower wholesale electricity prices have affected the
plans of entrepreneurs and utilities to use temporary diesel generators
for profit. Mentions the Council: "?temporary generators set up in
the Northwest were capable of supplying the west's electric power system
with about 480 megawatts, according to estimates by the Northwest Power
Planning Council, which monitors energy supplies."
JULY 22
Region Looks to Power Up--The Bulletin, Bend, OR
Story on the number of proposed power plants in Central Oregon.
Mentions the Council: "?the Northwest Power Planning Council still
predicts a 12 percent chance of rolling blackouts in the Northwest this
winter when electricity use peaks."
JULY 24
Salmon Advocates Fight Swift Current--The
Register Guard, Eugene, OR
Column on the efforts of Northwest governors and legislators to get
more federal money for salmon recovery. Quotes Council member Eric Bloch:
"?it's very important that we get a commitment for a multiyear
budget,? Northwest Power Council member Eric Bloch, who represented
Oregon, told the Columbia Basin Bulletin?" Also appears in The East
Oregonian, Pendleton, OR.
Irrigators Continue Effort to Get More Water--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on a plan by the Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association to
rework federal river policy that would free up water in Washington rivers.
Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy: "?You have a valid document,
and it's time for change,? said Larry Cassidy, a longtime fish
advocate appointed to the Northwest Power Planning Council by Gov. Gary
Locke." Also appears in The Capital Press, Salem, OR.
JULY 25
Power Planning Council Members Visit with County Commissioners--The
Chronicle, Centralia, WA
Small story on the Council members? meeting with the Okanogan County
Commissioners to discuss water and habitat programs: "The four
members sought advice on what the federal power planning council could do
to work with the county on restoring fish runs and preserving habitat in
Okanogan County."
JULY 30
Projects Are Pumping More Wind Power--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Feature story on several wind projects currently being built in the
Northwest. Mentions the Council: "According to the Northwest Power
Planning Council, renewable power projects--primarily wind
projects--account for 13 percent of the new megawatts that will come
online in the region by January 2003."
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