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Peter Jensen

Communications Specialist

Peter is a Communications Specialist at the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Prior to the Council, Peter worked as a journalist for more than a decade with newspapers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. His reporting frequently covered energy, water, environmental, and fish and wildlife issues, including in the Columbia and Snake River Basins. After leaving journalism and pivoting to communications consulting, his work focused on energy and climate policy throughout North America, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, buildings, and heavy industry. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Western Washington University.

pjensen@nwcouncil.org

503-820-2300

Peter's recent news posts

Spring snowpack was near normal in parts of the Columbia River Basin, but melted quickly

At May’s Council meeting in Pasco, Wash., the Council listened to a briefing by Amy Burke, Senior Hydrologist for the Northwest River Forecast Center, on the snowpack that built up in the Columbia River Basin this past winter and how it would affect the water supply for the upcoming seasons.

Council releases initial 20-year forecast for Pacific Northwest electricity demand

On April 29, the Power Division staff released a new initial forecast showing a range of potential electricity demand growth in the Pacific Northwest over the next two decades. Senior Energy Forecasting Analyst Steve Simmons, Senior Power Analyst Tomás Morrissey, and Power System Analyst Jake Kennedy led a presentation on the forecast during an online meeting of the Council.

Columbia River Basin fish & wildlife managers discuss status of white sturgeon, 2025 forecasts and 2024 returns for salmon and steelhead

At April’s Council meeting, managers from the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game provided forecasts for adult salmon and steelhead returns to the Columbia River Basin in 2025.

Council sets resource adequacy thresholds for Ninth Power Plan

At its April meeting in Portland, the Council set the thresholds for its resource adequacy metrics, which are intended to protect the Pacific Northwest’s power system from outages that are too frequent, too large, or too long in duration.

April Council meeting is final one for outgoing Executive Director Bill Edmonds

After announcing in December that he would be stepping down, Executive Director Bill Edmonds confirmed his departure date of April 18. The Council also announced that Guy Norman, a former Washington Council member (2016-2023), is serving as interim executive director.

Explaining how the Council forecasts load growth for the Pacific Northwest power system

When you need to see in the dark, which will illuminate the terrain better – a flashlight or an aerial flare? This spring, Council Power Division staff will be using the latter approach to produce new 20-year load forecasts for the future of the Pacific Northwest’s power system.

Staff analyzes Ninth Power Plan’s resource costs, timelines, and first portion of energy efficiency potential

At March’s Council meeting, Power Division staff led presentations about the estimated costs and timelines to develop for generating resources, and the first portion of energy efficiency potential for the Ninth Power Plan.

Council welcomes Margaret Hoffmann and Chuck Sams as new Oregon Members

The Council will welcome two new Oregon Members at its March 11-12 meeting: Margaret (Margi) Hoffmann and Chuck Sams. Gov. Tina Kotek appointed Hoffmann and Sams, and the Oregon Senate has confirmed their appointments to the Council.

Remembering longtime Council staff member John Harrison

In February, the Council learned the sad news that John Harrison, a member of the Public Affairs Department for 31 years until he retired in 2022, had passed away. At February’s meeting, General Counsel John Shurts and Council Member Jeff Allen of Idaho gave remarks honoring Harrison.

Previewing the Ninth Power Plan: Key milestones, analysis, and upcoming decisions

At February’s Council meeting, Power Planning Director Jennifer Light explained how staff are approaching their analysis for developing the Ninth Northwest Power Plan. This included key scenarios, points of uncertainty, as well as modeling assumptions, and a preview of how it will unfold in 2025 and 2026.

Integrating energy and the environment in the Columbia River Basin

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