Northwest Coalition for Affordable Power

Benton PUD and other utilities have joined the Northwest Coalition for Affordable Power. This coalition is a broad-based alliance of cities, counties, school districts, large and small businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, public utilities and other organizations to advocate for reliable and affordable power for regional economic stability.

The Coalition's "$27 in '07" campaign is to encourage BPA to set a target of $27 per megawatt hour for the next wholesale power rate period beginning in 2007. The "$27 in '07" campaign is also working to promote awareness that any rate increase above the current record rates will have serious and negative implications on our economy, further growth, jobs and competitiveness in the Northwest.

Prior to the 2001 Energy crisis, BPA's average wholesale rates were less than $23 per megawatt hour. Today's current wholesale average rate of more than $29.6 per megawatt hour far exceeds historical averages for power rates in the Northwest.

The Energy Crisis had a dramatic effect on BPA's historic ability to offer low cost power. However, now that the energy crisis has ended and the costly contracts BPA signed to meet its power obligations are set to expire, BPA will be free of more than $450 million in power purchase costs. This savings alone should allow BPA to lower power rates substantially.

During BPA's public discussion about the power rates, public and private utilities, as well as large industrial customers, studied the data supplied by BPA and asked Bonneville to present a $27 rate target for the next rate period. The Coalition supports this target and encourages Bonneville to respond to the customer rate target.

BPA will be issuing its recommended rate for the 2007-2009 rate period this fall. So, the time is now for the Coalition and any ratepayer who believes we need to reduce power rates to make their voice heard.

Benton PUD encourages our customers to get involved with the campaign. Join the Coalition and help us spread the word. To join, simply go to the NW Coalition for Affordable Power website at - www.27in07.org.