Anatomy of Northwest Power & Conservation Council 20 Year Plan

What is happening? Northwest Power and Conservation Council 20 year power plan for the energy needs of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana focuses on renewables and resiliency. The plan gets revised statutorily every 5 years.

Why is this important? This year’s review of the power plan is the most “dramatic changes in the future power supply.” They’re planning is robust to ensure that they spend enough money to ensure they don’t overbuild, but spend enough to keep rates good.

How will this be important? Onlookers say the dramatic revision of the power plan is because these elements came together:

• At least 2 coal plants are being retired
• Cities & states within the area are setting carbon emission reduction goals
•  Rapid cost reduction for solar and wind power technologies

Spokane Review via Governing | Northwest’s 20-Year Energy Plan Emphasizes Solar and Wind