LINK: Read the MANAGER'S MESSAGE: POWER SUPPLY SERIES for more information about the importance of hydroelectricity and the uncertain future of regional power supply.
EPUD General Manager Kyle Roadman gave a powerful presentation to the Senate Interim Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs on December 10, 2024. The presentation, titled 'The Risks are Mounting: Today’s Challenge of Maintaining Affordable and Reliable Electric Service,' includes this segment focusing on power supply issues.
For many decades, the Northwest did a great job balancing three key pillars of electric service: Affordability, Reliability, and Environmental Responsibility. As Roadman lays out, a single minded focus on any one of these will throw everything out of balance. Unfortunately, we've seen this play out over the past decade and the results are undeniable: higher electric rates and less reliability. This will only get worse in the days ahead unless we seek to restore balance through sensible state policies.