Friday, December 3, 2010

Energy News Digest for December 3, 2010 - Abridged Edition

The news digest is in transit today following a most interesting meeting of the Washington PUD Association.

Therefore, today’s edition is an abridged version.

The rest of the gang will be back Monday, December 6.

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

The news digest is also available at the following web site: http://www.energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/

HOT TOPICS – TOP STORIES
Montana - Baucus Outlines Opposition To 'Anti-Rural' Deficit Commission Cuts “…The recommendations would restructure Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs), drastically raising electricity rates. Under current law, PMAs like the Bonneville Power Administration, from which western Montana co-ops get their power, have to sell the electricity they produce from hydro dams at cost. The Commission proposes requiring PMAs to sell all their electricity at market price, which would immediately raise electricity rates for thousands of homeowners across western Montana…” (Clark Fork Chronicle, MT)

Oregon regulators recommended approval of PGE's plan to close its coal-fired power plant in Boardman by 2020 (Oregonian, Portland)

WSU To Study Affects Of Columbia, Snake River Closure Of Navigation Locks (Associated Press)

Seattle Inspecting Street Lights After Dog Electrocuted (KING-TV, Seattle)

Issaquah - Where Go Our Coho? Salmon Count At Fraction Of Typical Season (KOMO-TV, Seattle)

Skagit PUD Boss Resigns (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt Vernon, WA)

California – Pacific Gas & Electric Ends State's Wildfire Suits For $2.5 Million (SF Chronicle)

California PUC Won't Delay Smart Meter To Study Health Effects (SF Chronicle)

Customer Education Is Key To Consumer Acceptance For Smart Meters (Electric Light & Power)