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The
Energy Activist
August 25, 2025
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A Message from Tamara Kennedy, Our New Executive Director
Hello NWEC Community,
I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Northwest Energy Coalition, a role I began on August 1, 2025.
First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Nancy Hirsh, who is nearing the end of nearly 30 years of outstanding service to NWEC. Her leadership has played a key role in establishing the Coalition’s reputation as a trusted, effective voice for clean, equitable, and affordable energy. I’m honored to follow in her footsteps and thankful for her support during this leadership transition.
For nearly 20 years, I have worked at the intersection of economic development, equity, and sustainability—gaining experience leading ClimateTech initiatives at the Port of Portland, serving on boards like the Black United Fund of Oregon, and co-founding the My People’s Market to support entrepreneurs of color.
I am inspired by NWEC’s legacy of shaping a clean, affordable, and fair energy future across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. As I take on this leadership role, I’m excited to collaborate with members, staff, communities, and our broader coalition to promote bold, equitable, and effective energy solutions.
Together, we will build a future that is sustainable, resilient, and affordable for all.
In partnership,
Tamara Kennedy
Executive Director
| | Meet Sara, NWEC's New Communications Manager | |
| | We’re excited to welcome Sara Burleson to the NWEC team. Sara brings over a decade of experience in climate communications, from leading marketing at The Nature Conservancy in Nevada to greening thousands of homes with Pono Home in Hawaii and California. She’s passionate about sharing stories that inspire action for clean energy and climate solutions. | | | | Save the Date for NWEC's Clean & Affordable Energy Conference on December 3 in Portland | | |
The NW Energy Coalition’s Fall Conference is returning to Portland this year. It will be held on December 3 at Portland State University, bringing together utility leaders, policymakers, advocates, and experts from the region to discuss a reliable, equitable, and zero-carbon energy future.
This year’s program will address the Northwest’s major clean energy challenges and opportunities, meeting rising electricity demand, improving resilience to extreme weather and wildfire risks, and promoting innovative transmission planning with strong state and Tribal leadership.
Join us for a solutions-focused day, followed by a networking reception from 5–7 p.m. on Dec. 3. NWEC members are also invited to the Member Meeting and reception on Dec. 2. Learn more and register here.
Sponsorship, scholarship, and volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact kasi@nwenergy.org.
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Member Spotlight:
Energy Trust of Oregon
Since 2002, Energy Trust of Oregon has been turning big clean energy dreams into everyday wins, helping people save energy, switch to renewables, and shrink their carbon footprints with practical, affordable solutions. They’ve recently expanded support for low- and moderate-income households and communities often left out of clean energy conversations.
Energy Trust hosts workshops and events on energy efficiency and renewable projects, open to anyone eager to learn new strategies and connect with others passionate about clean energy. Explore their full event calendar and discover fresh ideas for making clean energy more accessible and equitable.
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Join us in shaping a brighter energy future for people, salmon, and the climate—give to NWEC now and help advance affordable, equitable clean energy across the Northwest.
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Regional & Federal Updates
Shaping Hydro Operations for a Decarbonized Grid
and Healthy Salmon Runs
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council, as part of development of its Ninth Power Plan, is discussing changes to hydro system operations, along with a new modeling plan. These changes come at a pivotal time for balancing clean energy goals with salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. In a recent Seattle Times op-ed, NWEC cautions that the Bonneville Power Administration’s recent assertion that it doesn’t need to meet long-held salmon recovery goals could undermine both clean energy progress and salmon restoration efforts. Read the full piece here.
Schedule and New Players in NWEC’s Litigation Against
BPA’s Costly Market Choice
NWEC and partners are challenging the Bonneville Power Administration’s market decision, which we believe will increase costs for customers and undermine clean energy progress in the Northwest compared to alternatives. The litigation was filed in July, and the litigation schedule is now coming into focus. Our opening brief is scheduled for the end of September, but may move to October as the schedule is further negotiated. Meanwhile, multiple groups (some backing BPA’s decision and some not specifically taking sides) have intervened in the case, underscoring the importance of strong, well-supported arguments as the proceedings move forward. Groups that have intervened include: Southwest Power Pool, Public Power Council (PPC), Alliance of Western Energy Consumers (AWEC), Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC) and Northwest Requirements Utilities (NRU).
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Washington
Shaping Equitable Data Center Policy for
Washington’s Clean Energy Future
Washington’s Data Center Workgroup adopted a few findings from the Tax Revenue and Economic Development subgroup at the July 28 meeting. That subgroup and the Energy and Resource Impacts subgroup continue to consider findings which will be discussed at the next full Workgroup meeting on September 22. The subgroups have also begun discussing potential recommendations. As a member of the Workgroup, NWEC is continuing to work to try and shape the findings and recommendations.
Colstrip Cost Recovery Case – Comments Due Aug. 28
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is reviewing Puget Sound Energy’s request to recover costs from its investments in the coal-fired Colstrip power plant. This case will determine whether customers are asked to pay for investments that support ongoing coal operations in Montana at a time when cleaner, lower-cost alternatives are increasingly available. Public comments are due Aug. 28, offering an important opportunity for Washington residents to weigh in on PSE's clean energy transition. Submit your comments here.
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Oregon
Policy Pathways for Decarbonization, Affordability, and Grid Resilience
Earlier this month, the Oregon Department of Energy released updated draft policy recommendations for its statewide energy strategy. A public comment period is now underway through September 22, offering an important opportunity to help shape the state’s clean energy priorities. Energy Trust of Oregon’s multi-year plan also remains open for public comment through mid-September.
On wildfire mitigation, NWEC is working with Oregon CUB, Community Energy Project, and Verde to review a new joint utility proposal to standardize multi-year Wildfire Mitigation Plans. At the Aug. 19 public meeting, we provided input on how utilities can strengthen protections for vulnerable communities, and we anticipate additional opportunities for written feedback in the weeks ahead.
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Idaho
Idaho Power Rate Hike Shifts Costs to Households While Expanding Fossil Fuels
Idaho Power is asking regulators for a $200 million (13%) rate hike—yet while big industrials would see only an 8% bump, residential customers could face a 17% increase. NWEC is digging into the utility’s cost models and rate design, especially their proposal to raise the fixed monthly charge, which undermines conservation and limits customer control over bills. We’re also reviewing wildfire mitigation investments to ensure they truly protect communities and natural resources, and questioning whether Idaho Power deserves a higher profit margin while shifting more risk onto households.
At the same time, Idaho Power’s new 20-year plan calls for more solar, wind, and batteries—but also a big build-out of gas. With partners, we’re pressing for stronger efficiency and demand response programs to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and exploring ways to move Idaho Power toward a single West-wide energy market.
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Montana
Op-Ed: BPA’s Market Choice Could Cost Montanans Billions
In a recent op-ed in The Missoulian, NWEC’s Derek Goldman warns that the Bonneville Power Administration’s plan to join a smaller, less robust energy market could raise power bills across the Northwest—costing the region over $4 billion in the next decade. He makes the case for joining the larger Extended Day Ahead Market (EDAM) to cut costs, boost reliability, and accelerate clean energy.
| | Help power an affordable, equitable clean energy future—give today and make a difference for people, salmon, and the climate. | |
The NW Energy Coalition is an alliance of over 100 environmental, civic and human service organizations, progressive utilities, and businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The Coalition promotes the development of renewable energy and energy conservation, consumer protection, low-income energy assistance, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
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