On May 18, 2023, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued an order in Docket No. UM 2000 adopting an interim solar+storage standard avoided cost rate for qualifying facilities. The utilities are required to file the new avoided cost rates by July 31, 2023.
NIPPC and RNW Urge BPA Transmission Reform in New Whitepaper
On May 3, 2023, Renewable Northwest (RNW) and the Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition (NIPPC) published a whitepaper exploring how to ensure that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) maintains one of its core purposes—transmitting power needed across the Northwest, regardless of which entity generates or consumes it—at a time of rapid change in the electric industry. The whitepaper can be viewed here. RNW and NIPPC stated that by adopting the reforms proposed in the whitepaper, or some similar combination of reforms, BPA can help ensure that the grid the Northwest needs will be in place and on time so that all consumers in the region continue to enjoy affordable, clean, and reliable electricity.
Oregon Commission Adopts New Rules Related to QF Contracts
On April 25, 2023, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued an order in Docket No. AR 631 related to rules for contracting procedures and standard contracts for small qualifying facilities (QF) 10 MW and under. The Commission adopted new rules and directed the utilities in Oregon to file new standard contracts.