Welcome!

This is the Council's Monthly Spotlight e-newsletter. Each month, you'll receive the latest news from Council meetings, including recent decisions, news from state offices, and updates on energy and the environment.

February 2005 Issue

Council Analyzes Bush Administration's Proposed Changes to Bonneville

Council members were briefed on the Bush Administration's 2006 budget proposals pertaining to the Bonneville Power Administration by Public Affairs Director Mark Walker and guest speakers Jerry Leone, Public Power Council, and Pat Reiten, Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative. The administration has proposed that the agency sell the electricity generated at federal dams at market rates rather than at cost. The administration also proposed changing how Bonneville's debt is calculated, making it more difficult for the agency to borrow money to improve the transmission system. Both Leone and Reiten voiced strong opposition to the changes. In response, the Council will analyze the possible effects these proposals would have on Northwest customers. Read the analysis.

Council Adopts Second Set of Subbasin Plans

Council members voted to adopt 25 locally developed plans to guide activities to protect and enhance fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin.

Power Supply Adequate, But Higher Electricity Prices Likely

Council staff gave an update on the outlook for the region's power supply. John Fazio, senior systems analyst, said that although the region is not at risk of running short on power, one of the consequences of the low water year the region is experiencing will be higher electricity prices and reduced revenues for the Bonneville Power Administration.

Model Conservation Standard for New Commercial Buildings Will Help Capture Cost and Energy Savings

Council members adopted the model conservation standard (90k PDF) for new commercial buildings released for public comment in December. State and local code-setting jurisdictions that decide to use the Council's standard to revise their building code standards will help the region obtain both cost and energy savings.

Coming Up

• Mar 15-17: Council meeting in Portland

For more, visit www.nwcouncil.org.

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