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Biden and Grid Modernization
All eyes have been on Biden’s two big investment plans: Infrastructure and Investment & Jobs Act and the “Build Back Better.” With so much emphasis on electrical transmission infrastructure, what does this mean for the Stop B2H Coalition and our years of efforts to protect our lands and preserve our heritage? As with all big economic legislation and social transitions, the devil is in the details.
While more money for transmission infrastructure may sound good to some, the incentives to build new transmission are the utilities at the public trough. Do we really need to incentivize building new transmission when the utilities are already guaranteed a 6-10% rate of return on that investment?
A real problem is that the “interconnection queues” (aka “on-ramps”) for renewable energy to get to market on the existing transmission system is blocked by inter- and intra-regional battles between utilities, investors, and regulators. They call this “congestion” and it is the reason being used to build new transmission rather than solving the on-ramp problem.
Our crystal ball is a little fuzzy because there are so many moving parts! This full story explains some of the parts we’ve identified to make sense out of the national picture, and how we think our region and the B2H might fit into it all. The first things to remember are: not all regions in the U.S. have the same constraints and opportunities for making the energy transition to carbon-free; and “grid modernization” doesn’t necessarily mean “new.”
Fixing what we have can also be funded by these federal investments; it can happen quicker, and it can create good jobs.
There is a lot to unpack here... We’ll explain just three prominent market dynamics in this story: interconnections, political fights for control & market access, and regulatory reforms.
Read ON for the deeper dive and Full Story: Link.
And don't forget to Take Action using the next box...
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TAKE ACTION:
Write or call our Federal Officials (cc: the Governor and State Officials too).
Tell them what the energy infrastructure funds should be spent on! Tell them what you think about the B2H & better, immediate, investments, such as:
- Reform regulations governing grid interconnections, alleviating costs for renewable energy to get an "on-ramp" to the grid.
- Make our (3) existing 230 kV lines into 345 kV’s in the same corridors; double circuit where possible.
- Digitize the substations and create bi-directional flows in our distribution system.
- Fire-harden all existing lines/components and substations.
- Incentivize & invest in renewable energy economic development targeting local green energy projects.
Click here for contact info/addresses for public officials!
Join and Donate to Stop B2H Coalition, here!
COOL RESOURCES:
Easy backgrounder on the Grid with video.
Map of Power generation in the PNW.
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"Tales of the Stop B2H
Contested Case Warriors"
a Stop B2H parody
We’re entering Season Five of that compelling series, “Stop B2H & the Contested Case Warriors.” The usual cast of committed Warriors is valiantly battling the Forces of Evil (Idaho Power), with a new cast member, Judge ALJ who has proven to be a deceptive cohort of the Forces of Evil. She has already wounded several Warriors with her Decisions of Absurdity, and created obstacles for STOP in future battles.
Lionhearted, our remaining 19 committed Warriors will each defend their Contested Cases during January’s Moments of Truth (Contested Case hearings). We will face our adversaries armed with Shields of Clear Information and Weapons of Facts. In those episodes, Idaho Power’s perfidious Pretzel Presentations should be vanquished by STOP’s Logic and Truth.
However, in a devious plot twist, the nefarious ALJ has been chosen to decide the Victors! If she declares that the Forces of Evil have won the Moments of Truth, STOP will need a Treasure to ascend the Legal Heights (Oregon Supreme Court). Idaho Power has a mountain of shining gold. STOP is guarding a diminishing stack of dollars.
Please support us for success in Season Six when the ALJ will be thrown down from her Tower of Absurdities. She will be replaced on the Legal Heights by Three Valiant Intellects (Supreme Court Judges) who will determine STOP’s righteous Victory in saving eastern Oregon from the Horrors of the B2H!
Seriously, the ALJ’s unreasonable rulings will never hold up in court, but Idaho Power is hoping we can’t afford to challenge them. Your generous support has helped us reach this point. Please give what you can. We can’t win this battle without you.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please donate to our Legal Fund.
B2H Contested Case Status Check-in:
- Opening testimony and evidence was filed on Sept 17th followed by Idaho Power and the ODOE’s objections to our testimonies and exhibits.
- We volleyed back and forth and then the judge ruled knocking out evidence and arguments. We did prevail on some issues but clearly the ALJ has been ruling procedurally in favor of Idaho Power and the ODOE for the past 1.5 years.
- There are still 19 of us standing! Our issues include things like: noise, wildfire, scenic values, OR Trail, weeds, fish & habitats.
- The contested case against the B2H will move into the cross-examination of witnesses phase in January. Stay tuned…
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photo credit: Ashley O'Toole
“You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone!”
Making a Difference Early: Rulemaking and Actions
Let's face it, rulemaking is boring -- and that's why it matters! In this segment we share four state-level rulemaking processes that will really make a difference in our lives. The first two on wildfire and transmission upgrades have immediate comment opportunities; the next two will soon--keep informed. -Jim Kreider, Stop B2H Co-Chair
Oregon Global Warming Commission:
This state commission was set up when Governor Brown issued Executive Order 20-04 on climate. Coming up at their November 15th meeting will be a presentation on the state’s electricity transmission infrastructure, highlighting current constraints and needed upgrades. A comment portal is available: Link.
Talking points - Comment before the 15th:
- Upgrade the current lines to their maximum capacity – same corridors, same poles (e.g.: the 230kV lines in eastern Oregon to 345kV’s)
- Digitize the substations and work to make all distribution “bi-directional.” Meaning, let’s create the infrastructure to get all consumers and producers working for maximum efficiency and the ability to buy and sell (or trade and swap) electricity using the current grid.
- Finally, we need to fire-harden the existing grid and corridors. Oregon and other locations prone to wildfires do not need more transmission! We need upgrades and fire-hardening first—then we can talk about new…
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Utility Wildfire Planning and Rulemaking:
The state is in the final phases of making the temporary and emergency Wildfire Rules for the 2022 fire season. These will be the rules that Idaho Power and the “other partners” will need to follow for the B2H. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC) was charged by the 2021 legislative session, via the sweeping Senate Bill 762, to put in place temporary rules by 12/31/21. This is a good summary document that combines the work of dockets 648 (temporary rules) and 638 (permanent rules).
STOP has no one monitoring or commenting on these dockets which are critical to protecting the urban/rural fire interfaces that the B2H will pass through. Anyone interested in tracking and commenting on these critical rules should contact Jim Kreider at jim@stopb2h.org.
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Protected, Scenic and Recreational Areas
“You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone!” In our fight to Stop the B2H we have learned the hard way: our precious and beloved areas are NOT protected. A number of Stop B2H activists have been attending workshops sponsored by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to update their rules for siting energy facilities for these 3 types of designations: Protected, Scenic and Recreational Areas.
Topics covered: 1) Are the study areas appropriately sized; 2) Should the standards prescribe more specific methods for the evaluation of impacts; 3) Should applicants be required to identify significant or important scenic resource and any land management plans (how?); 4) Are the criteria for identifying important recreational opportunities clear and appropriate?; and much more.
It has been an interesting and thoughtful process thus far. This rulemaking has better public participation than the Eminent Domain Rulemaking (below) since the Greater Hells Canyon Council, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, and Oregon Natural Desert Association, are joining STOP B2H at the table too. We are still outnumbered by developers but we have pushed back! The draft rules will be announced in Dec or Jan, followed by a formal rulemaking comment period.
Sign Up to stay informed: Link. Send an email to: EFSC.rulemaking@oregon.gov to be notified when the draft rules are ready.
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Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity:
Land Taking = Condemnation = Eminent Domain
If Idaho Power gets permission to build the B2H they can take your land …
and the state will help … unless … you ACT!
The Oregon Public Utility Commission is reviewing its rule for a “Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity” (CPCN), where the state allows a utility to take your land. In this rulemaking, STOP is trying to level the playing field by helping landowners: advocating for environmental justice and economic metrics for rural residents and diverse communities. STOP is the only public at the table but the utilities have a dozen or so people representing their interests.
All comments from the public count but a public of one don’t count for much. Join STOP in commenting on this rulemaking. Yes rulemaking is like watching paint dry but if you don’t want to be painted into a corner and lose your land, contact us! jim@stopb2h.org
Read up on the docket, and the draft rule changes on p 1-9 and the July 15, 2021 workshop goal statement starting on p 10. “Formal Rulemaking” will begin in December and it would be nice if we could have a team together to represent Oregonians.
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Attention: Idaho Power Customers in
Malheur and southern Baker Counties!
Idaho Power Company is starting a study, the scope of which is directed by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that will significantly impact the future development of distributed solar energy production in Idaho. And, that means your pocketbook too!
Here is a link to the story/issue. Allied organizations, like Idaho Conservation League, Snake River Alliance, and others are hosting a workshop on how to write good comments to IPUC and IPC on rooftop top solar study.
Sign up now for this useful training, here. Or, go directly to the comments via a portal from Idaho Organization of Resource Councils. They are requesting Idaho Power Customers to comment.
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Job Announcement!
Oregon Rural Action is seeking to hire an experienced community organizer to develop a strategic community-led organizing campaign in eastern Oregon to build our rural energy resilience while protecting our heritage and environment. For more information and how to apply, follow the LINK.
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“Biden & Grid Modernization”
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Think Globally Act Locally!
Local renewables, easy access to the grid, bi-directional distribution, community solar projects, micro-hydro, micro-grids, and more… Are we modeling the energy future that we’d like to realize? Locally, "not so much."
If you can afford to take advantage of roof-top solar and battery storage, you are ahead of the curve. However, most of us are not on track because we need additional help and/or cooperation from our electric utilities.
Idaho Power (in Malheur and Baker Co’s) does not want to partner with customers, and our cooperatives (i.e.: OTEC and Umatilla) have arcane policies that are not only stifling our energy transformation but in time they will become increasingly expensive. That said, they can change their business models, they can change strategies and policies—if enough of us speak out and pressure the co-op boards to do the right thing! We can also pressure our local officials to engage in pilot projects and incentivize green energy building.
It could become exciting and inspiring to work FOR something instead of fighting AGAINST something, like the B2H. Get Involved! A new team is forming with member organization, Oregon Rural Action.They are also hiring an organizer (see job announcement under “Allies Actions” above.) Contact us, info@stopb2h.org or ORA at stevenC@oregonrural.org to get started right from the beginning.
Let’s shape our energy future together!
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Not a member? Sign up on our website stopb2h.org "Join Us!"
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Stop B2H Coalition, grassroots people fighting to STOP
a 300 mile invasive 500kv transmission line across Eastern Oregon
Protect Our Land; Preserve Our Heritage
www.stopb2h.org
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