The Energy News Digest

Klamath Falls: Renewed Fight over Bid Oregon Town’s Bid for Public Power Brewing
Grant PUD General Manager Announces He’s Stepping Down
Cowlitz PUD Commissioners Vote to Hire Steve Kern as New General Manager
Oregon LNG Withdraws Lawsuit against U-S Army Corps of Engineers
BC Hydro Boss Apologizes for Inaccurate Testimony – Utility misled oversight agency about IT project
Small Modular Reactor Startup with Molten Salt Nuclear Design Wins $8 Million in Funding
Puerto Rico Utility’s Debt Plan Not a Sure Thing, House Is Told
How a New Business Model Could Get the Puerto Rico Public Utility Out of Debt
Vermont Regulators Approve New Line to Bring Canadian Renewables to New England
Phillip Moeller, FERC Regulator Becomes Electric Utility Lobbyist
Starvation Suspected in Massive Die-Off of Alaska Seabirds
Washington State Considering End to Hatchery Steelhead on Rivers West of Longview
Pacific Shellfish Set for Price Hike as Ocean Acidity Keeps Rising
Columbia River Water Plan Unlikely to Pass, Say Locals
Victoria B-C Sewer: Revisit Building Sewage Plant in Esquimalt, Oak Bay Mayor Urges
Propelling a New Profitability Model for Hydro Generation
Rents Due Ranch Goes Solar
British Columbia: Peace River Regional District Mulls New Zoning Rules for Wind Farms
Oregon: Bend Ranks Eleventh So Far in Energy Competition
Did MIT Just Save the Incandescent Lightbulb?
First Mention: The Arrival of Electric Light
Mason County: Growth Industry – Suspended On Leading Edge of Pot Business
Tacoma City Council Approves Moratorium for New Pot Stores
Washington State Bill Would Exempt Some Legal-Pot Info from Public Disclosure
Port Townsend Paper Mill Already Below Carbon Cap Proposed by State
Giant Melting Icebergs Could Be Slowing Climate Change by Absorbing Carbon: Researchers
Sidewalk Zamboni: Poopmaster 6000 Clears Downtown Portland Sidewalks of Crow Excrement
Quincy Named Country’s Top Data Center Location
Washington State to Consider Upping CenturyLink Fine over 911 Outage
New Ways to Get Cable without an Ugly Cable Box
If You Think Drones Are a Passing Fad, Better Think Again
Comcast Appears to Be Injecting Browser Pop-Ups to Upsell Crappy Modem Deals
Supporters Must Raise $7 Million to Save KPLU
How to Develop a Social Media Reporting System
Sen. Sheldon Opposes Mason County Hiring of Lobbying Firm
Washington State Governor Inslee Pushes for Education Funding Framework in Speech
Obama Touts Clean Energy Growth, Promises Fossil Fuel Extraction Reform in State of the Union
Powerball Jackpot Increases to Historic $1.5 Billion
Armed Oregon Occupiers to Reveal “Departure” Plans
Public Invited to Graduation Matters Shelton Pep Rally
Rainier Beer to be Brewed in Washington State Again
Founder of Dick’s Drive-In Dies at 92

WORD OF THE DAY

Fictioneer • \fik-shuh-NEER\ • Noun – One who writes fiction especially in quantity & without high standards.

Alejandro bristled at being described as a fictioneer for his huge output of florid romance novels. “I prefer to be called a common hack”. “At least that provides some level of respect for my craft”.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Klamath Falls: Renewed Fight over Bid Oregon Town’s Bid for Public Power Brewing (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/renewed-fight-over-bid-oregon-towns-bid-for-public-power-brewing/411922/

Grant PUD General Manager Announces He’s Stepping Down (iFIBER One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-general-manager-announces-he-s-stepping-down/article_7e540690-b991-11e5-b715-4710357157d9.html

Cowlitz PUD Commissioners Vote to Hire Steve Kern as New General Manager (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-commissioners-vote-to-hire-steve-kern-as-new/article_51f6363c-59ca-55f1-a2a8-23c2a3d92e4d.html

Oregon LNG Withdraws Lawsuit against U-S Army Corps of Engineers (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2016/01/oregon_lng_withdraws_lawsuit_a.html

BC Hydro Boss Apologizes for Inaccurate Testimony – Utility misled oversight agency about IT project (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/hydro+boss+apologizes+inaccurate+testimony/11645238/story.html?__lsa=c769-73d7

Small Modular Reactor Startup with Molten Salt Nuclear Design Wins $8 Million in Funding (Green Tech Media)

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Small-Modular-Reactor-Startup-Using-Molten-Salt-Nuclear-Design-Wins-7M-in

Puerto Rico Utility’s Debt Plan Not a Sure Thing, House Is Told (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/13/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-utilitys-debt-plan-not-a-sure-thing-house-is-told.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

How a New Business Model Could Get the Puerto Rico Public Utility Out of Debt (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-a-new-business-model-could-get-the-puerto-rico-public-utility-out-of-de/411826/

Vermont Regulators Approve New Line to Bring Canadian Renewables to New England (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/vermont-regulators-approve-new-line-to-bring-canadian-renewables-to-new-eng/411829/

Phillip Moeller, FERC Regulator Becomes Electric Utility Lobbyist (Bloomberg News)

http://www.sltrib.com/home/3411224-155/ferc-regulator-becomes-electric-utility-lobbyist

FISH & WILDLIFE

Starvation Suspected in Massive Die-Off of Alaska Seabirds (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Starvation-suspected-in-massive-die-off-of-Alaska-6752407.php

Washington State Considering End to Hatchery Steelhead on Rivers West of Longview (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/lifestyles/wdfw-considering-end-to-hatchery-steelhead-on-rivers-west-of/article_6f79a8f9-d4c1-53c4-8a32-579de8766b51.html

Pacific Shellfish Set for Price Hike as Ocean Acidity Keeps Rising (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/pacific-shellfish-prices-set-for-price-hike-as-ocean-acidity-keeps-rising/article28125017/?cmpid=rss1

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Columbia River Water Plan Unlikely to Pass, Say Locals (Daily Sun News, Sunnyside, WA)

http://www.dailysunnews.com/news/2016/jan/11/columbia-river-plan-unlikely-pass-say-locals/

Victoria B-C Sewer: Revisit Building Sewage Plant in Esquimalt, Oak Bay Mayor Urges (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/revisit+building+sewage+plant+esquimalt+mayor+urges/11646684/story.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Propelling a New Profitability Model for Hydro Generation (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/print/volume-18/issue-110/features/hydropower/propelling-a-new-profitability-model-for-hydro-generation.html

Rents Due Ranch Goes Solar (Stanwood Camano News, WA)

http://www.scnews.com/home_and_garden/article_0490cce6-b94e-11e5-8342-ff7f80d1c789.html

British Columbia: Peace River Regional District Mulls New Zoning Rules for Wind Farms (Alaska Highway News,

http://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/regional-news/prrd/peace-river-regional-district-mulls-new-zoning-rules-for-wind-farms-1.2148079

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Oregon: Bend Ranks Eleventh So Far in Energy Competition (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/3895070-151/bend-ranks-11th-so-far-in-energy-competition

Did MIT Just Save the Incandescent Lightbulb? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2016/0112/Did-MIT-just-save-the-incandescent-lightbulb

First Mention: The Arrival of Electric Light (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/science/the-arrival-of-electric-light.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Mason County: Growth Industry – Suspended On Leading Edge of Pot Business (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://www.kpbj.com/news/364649721.xhtml

Tacoma City Council Approves Moratorium for New Pot Stores (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/tacoma-city-council-approves-moratorium-new-pot-st/np4L2/

Washington State Bill Would Exempt Some Legal-Pot Info from Public Disclosure (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/marijuana/bill-would-exempt-some-legal-pot-info-from-public-disclosure/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Port Townsend Paper Mill Already Below Carbon Cap Proposed by State (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20160113/news/301139989/port-townsend-paper-mill-already-below-carbon-cap-proposed-by-state

Giant Melting Icebergs Could Be Slowing Climate Change by Absorbing Carbon: Researchers (Australia Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-12/giant-icebergs-absorb-carbon/7083766

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Sidewalk Zamboni: Poopmaster 6000 Clears Downtown Portland Sidewalks of Crow Excrement (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/poopmaster-6000-clears-downtown-portland-sidewalks-of-crow-excrement

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Quincy Named Country’s Top Data Center Location (PR Newswire)

http://cloud.itbusinessnet.com/article/New-Site-Selection-Report-Ranks-Quincy-Washington-As-One-Of-The-Lowest-Cost-And-Most-Affordable-Markets-For-Cloud-Computing-And-Data-Centers-4240405

Washington State to Consider Upping CenturyLink Fine over 911 Outage (Associated Press)

http://kpq.com/state-to-consider-upping-centurylink-fine-over-911-outage/

New Ways to Get Cable without an Ugly Cable Box (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Review-New-ways-to-get-cable-without-an-ugly-6753874.php

If You Think Drones Are a Passing Fad, Better Think Again (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/If-you-think-drones-are-a-passing-fad-better-6750839.php

MARKETING & MEDIA

Comcast Appears to Be Injecting Browser Pop-Ups to Upsell Crappy Modem Deals (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/comcast-appears-to-be-injecting-browser-pop-ups-to-upse-1752633484

Supporters Must Raise $7 Million to Save KPLU (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2016/01/supporters-must-raise-7m-to-save-kplu.html

How to Develop a Social Media Reporting System (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-develop-a-social-media-reporting-system/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Sen. Sheldon Opposes Mason County Hiring of Lobbying Firm (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26261-sen-sheldon-opposes-hiring-of-county-lobbying-firm

Washington State Governor Inslee Pushes for Education Funding Framework in Speech (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/inslee-pushes-for-education-funding-framework-in-speech

Obama Touts Clean Energy Growth, Promises Fossil Fuel Extraction Reform in State of the Union (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/obama-touts-clean-energy-growth-promises-fossil-fuel-extraction-reform-in/412058/

GENERAL NEWS

Powerball Jackpot Increases to Historic $1.5 Billion (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/powerball-jackpot-increases-historic-15-billion/np3zr/

Armed Oregon Occupiers to Reveal “Departure” Plans (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/01/13/armed-oregon-occupiers-tell-locals-their-departure-plans/78729446/

Public Invited to Graduation Matters Shelton Pep Rally (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26254-public-invited-to-graduation-matters-pep-rally

Rainier Beer to be Brewed in Washington State Again (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/rainier-beer-returns-washington-state-new-ale/np3f6/

Founder of Dick’s Drive-In Dies at 92 (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2890622/Founder-of-Dickaposs-DriveIn-dies-at-92

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Teen Girl Uses ‘Crazy Strength’ to Lift Burning Car Off Dad (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/humankind/2016/01/12/teen-girl-uses-crazy-strength-lift-burning-car-off-dad/78675898/

Why You Shouldn’t Park Your Car Beside Lake Erie in the Winter

http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/01/why-you-shouldnt-park-your-car-beside-lake-erie-in-the-winter/423816/

A Fugitive Hated His Mugshot, So He Sent the Police a Selfie Instead

http://mashable.com/2016/01/12/mugshot-selfie-replacement/

Vinyl Collector Puts Loss in Perspective after Fire near Port Townsend Destroys 25,000 Albums

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20160113/NEWS/301139987/vinyl-collector-puts-loss-in-perspective-after-fire-near-port

SONGS OF THE DAY

Don McLean – American Pie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqukWXviyew

A Final David Bowie Tribute:

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – Life on Mars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW0ACEOEq6w

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 12, 2016 - Hot Shots Edition

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 12, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1SgbZpJ

Small Craft Advisory for Hood Canal & Puget Sound

http://1.usa.gov/1RA5U7R

The Winter So Far (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-winter-so-far.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Shelton Radio Station Enters Merger with iFIBER ONE (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/January-2016/Shelton-radio-station-enters-merger-with-iFIBER-ONE/

iFIBER Communications Merges with KMAS News Radio (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26240-ifiber-communications-merges-with-kmas-news-radio

Peninsula Utility Providers Point to Weather, Rates, Billing Cycles for Rise in Power Bills (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20160112/news/301129985/peninsula-utility-providers-point-to-weather-rates-billing-cycles

Bonneville Power Administration Bids Farewell to the Eastern Control Center (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-bids-farewell-to-the-Eastern-Control-Center.aspx

These Are the Three Proposed Coal Projects Still Alive in the Pacific Northwest (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/01/these-are-the-3-proposed-coal-projects-still-alive.html

Op/Ed: Is Pumped Storage Hydro on the Ropes in the U-S? (Water Power & Dam Construction Magazine)

http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/opinion/opinionis-pumped-storage-hydro-on-the-ropes-in-the-us-4767752/

Bonneville Power Administration CFO Nancy Mitman Announces Retirement (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-CFO-Nancy-Mitman-announces-retirement.aspx

Oregon: Eugene Water & Electric Board Developing Microgrids to Bid into ISO Markets, Enhance Reliability (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/oregon-utility-developing-microgrids-to-bid-into-iso-markets-enhance-relia/411917/

Op/ED: Orcas Rule, Snohomish PUD’s Green Project Abandoned (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/jack-knox-orcas-rule-green-project-abandoned-1.2147533

Irony: Washington State Governor, Inslee, DOE want to require REC Silicon to cut carbon emissions

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/gov-inslee-doe-want-to-require-rec-silicon-to-cut/article_20dbcc40-b5a5-11e5-8098-cf09f0599141.html

Environmental Priorities Coalition Launches 2016 Washington State Priority (Washington Environmental Council)

http://wecprotects.org/environmental-priorities-coalition-launches-2016-priority-safeguard-our-environment/

Oregon Siege: Vandalism, Intimidation of Civilians on the Rise, Sheriff Says (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2016/01/12/oregon-siege-vandalism-intimidation-of-civilians-on-the-rise-sheriff-says/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST BLOG & TWITTER FEED

The news digest is also available at the following web site:

http://www.energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

Monday, January 11, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 11, 2016

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 11, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1OmveYX

Freezing Rain Advisory in Effect until 10 This Morning

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=freezing%20rain%20advisory

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Colville, Partners, Issue Bid to Study Salmon Habitat above Grand Coulee (Colville Tribune, Nespelem, WA)

http://www.tribaltribune.com/news/article_a8275c4c-b630-11e5-b4ab-cfa01e64f09d.html

Pend Oreille: Cutbacks at Usk Newsprint Operation Would Hurt Rural Utility, Officials Say (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jan/08/cutbacks-at-usk-newsprint-operation-would-hurt-rur/

Clark County Braces for Washington State Carbon Rules (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/08/county-braces-for-carbon-rules/

Seattle City Light Pays Mariners, Sounders More Than $300,000 for Energy-Awareness Ads (Seattle Times, WA)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/city-light-pays-mariners-sounders-more-than-300k-for-energy-awareness-ads/

The Government Says Internet Service Isn’t Expanding Fast Enough (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/01/08/the-government-says-your-internet-service-is-too-slow/?wprss=rss_business

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

Pend Oreille: Cutbacks at Usk Newsprint Operation Would Hurt Rural Utility, Officials Say
The World Is Coming to Colstrip, But Not In a Good Way
Utility Objects to Klamath Basin Public Power Bid – Pacific Power ‘Not for Sale’
Avista Receives Commission Decision in Washington General Rate Cases
B-C Hydro Announces Peace River Dam Business Sessions, Job Fairs
Public Utility, Silicon Valley Power Ditches San Juan Plant Ownership to be Coal Free by the End of 2017
Alabama: Apprentice Co-op Lineman Saves Co-worker
Got Scam News? Check Out the Scam Tracker
Scam Tracker U-S
This Map Shows Power Outages Caused by Cyber-Terrorist Squirrels
Colville, Partners, Issue Bid to Study Salmon Habitat above Grand Coulee
Whale Poop Study Shows Connections between Salmon & Orca
Oregon Snowpack Suggests Good Streamflows for Summer
‘Flying Wind Mills’ & Nuclear Waste: The Future of Energy?
Utah Regulators Slim Down PURPA Contracts to 15 Years
Seattle City Light Pays Mariners, Sounders More Than $300,000 for Energy-Awareness Ads
Avista Utilities: Preparing for the Future by Trying to Create It
Amazon Plans Wind Farm in Ohio to Help Power Data Centers
Clark County Braces for Washington State Carbon Rules
New Oregon Energy Agreement Would Avert a $1 Million-Plus Ballot Measure Battle
‘A Millennium’s Worth of Earthquakes’: What Are States Going to Do?
The Government Says Internet Service Isn’t Expanding Fast Enough
FCC: 10 Percent of Americans Still Lack Access to Proper Broadband
Why Amazon’s Data Centers Are Hidden in Spy Country
CenturyLink Says FTTH Is Helping It Beat Cable, Raise Overall Broadband Speed Awareness
Comcast Brings Fiber to Fife
Six Ways to Increase Twitter Engagement
Short Session, Long List for Washington State Legislators
Opposition to Navy’s Planned ‘Electronic Warfare’ Training over Olympic Peninsula
Inslee Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for Fall Storm
Shelton Officials Still Indecisive on How & When to Hire a City Admin
Seahawks Snatch Heart-Stopping 10-9 Victory from Vikings in NFC Wild Card Game

WORD OF THE DAY

Immutable • \ih-MYOO-tuh-bul\ • Adjective – Not capable of or susceptible to change

The invisible hand drew back and paused. The immutable force of the market place had been battling a slow start in its contest against the dialectic of Marxist theology. Suddenly the hand moved forward and flung the 16-pound ball down the alley…picking up the 7-10 spare. “YOU WIN!” Exclaimed the Keynesian scorekeeper. “Yeah, but in the long run you’ll all be dead,” chortled the ghost of Thomas Malthus.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Pend Oreille: Cutbacks at Usk Newsprint Operation Would Hurt Rural Utility, Officials Say (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jan/08/cutbacks-at-usk-newsprint-operation-would-hurt-rur/

The World Is Coming to Colstrip, But Not In a Good Way (Associated Press)

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/the-world-is-coming-to-colstrip-but-not-in-a/article_d221a742-0ec5-50b0-8599-df6f699bc5fd.html

Utility Objects to Klamath Basin Public Power Bid – Pacific Power ‘Not for Sale’ (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)

http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/utility-objects-to-public-power-bid/article_2d9567a0-f04e-5f8d-89d3-cb7596034150.html

Avista Receives Commission Decision in Washington General Rate Cases (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=559352&cat=;90

B-C Hydro Announces Peace River Dam Business Sessions, Job Fairs (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/b-c-hydro-announces-site-c-business-sessions-job-fairs-1.2147813

Public Utility, Silicon Valley Power Ditches San Juan Plant Ownership to be Coal Free by the End of 2017 (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-muni-ditches-san-juan-plant-ownership-to-be-coal-free-by-the-end/411763/

Alabama: Apprentice Co-op Lineman Saves Co-worker (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/apprentice-co-op-lineman-saves-co-worker/88116

Got Scam News? Check Out the Scam Tracker (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/tompor/2016/01/10/got-scam-news-check-out-scam-tracker/78432196/

Scam Tracker U-S (Better Business Bureau)

https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us

This Map Shows Power Outages Caused by Cyber-Terrorist Squirrels (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/this-map-shows-power-outages-caused-by-cyber-terrorist-1752196261

FISH & WILDLIFE

Colville, Partners, Issue Bid to Study Salmon Habitat above Grand Coulee (Colville Tribune, Nespelem, WA)

http://www.tribaltribune.com/news/article_a8275c4c-b630-11e5-b4ab-cfa01e64f09d.html

Whale Poop Study Shows Connections between Salmon & Orca (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=559352&cat=;90

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Oregon Snowpack Suggests Good Streamflows for Summer (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-snowpack-suggests-good-streamflows-for-summer/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

‘Flying Wind Mills’ & Nuclear Waste: The Future of Energy? (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2016/01/08/flying-wind-mills-and-nuclear-waste-future-energy/78387414/

Utah Regulators Slim Down PURPA Contracts to 15 Years (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/utah-regulators-slim-down-purpa-contracts-to-15-years/411790/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Seattle City Light Pays Mariners, Sounders More Than $300,000 for Energy-Awareness Ads (Seattle Times, WA)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/city-light-pays-mariners-sounders-more-than-300k-for-energy-awareness-ads/

Avista Utilities: Preparing for the Future by Trying to Create It (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2016/01/11/avista-utilities-preparing-for-the-future-by-trying-to-create-it/

Amazon Plans Wind Farm in Ohio to Help Power Data Centers (Associated Press)

http://www.wowktv.com/story/30928585/amazon-plans-wind-farm-in-ohio-to-help-power-data-centers

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Clark County Braces for Washington State Carbon Rules (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/08/county-braces-for-carbon-rules/

New Oregon Energy Agreement Would Avert a $1 Million-Plus Ballot Measure Battle (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/01/new-oregon-energy-agreement-would-avert-a-1m-plus.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

‘A Millennium’s Worth of Earthquakes’: What Are States Going to Do? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2016/0110/A-millennium-s-worth-of-earthquakes-What-are-states-going-to-do

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The Government Says Internet Service Isn’t Expanding Fast Enough (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/01/08/the-government-says-your-internet-service-is-too-slow/?wprss=rss_business

FCC: 10 Percent of Americans Still Lack Access to Proper Broadband (PC World)

http://www.pcworld.com/article/3020402/government/fcc-10-percent-of-americans-still-lack-access-to-proper-broadband.html

Why Amazon’s Data Centers Are Hidden in Spy Country – The company powers much of the Internet, but its cloud facilities are difficult to find. (The Atlantic Magazine)

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/amazon-web-services-data-center/423147/

CenturyLink Says FTTH Is Helping It Beat Cable, Raise Overall Broadband Speed Awareness (Fierce Telecom)

http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/centurylink-says-ftth-helping-it-beat-cable-raise-overall-broadband-speed-a/2016-01-08

Comcast Brings Fiber to Fife (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/December-2015/Comcast-brings-fiber-to-Fife/

MARKETING & MEDIA

Six Ways to Increase Twitter Engagement (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-ways-to-increase-twitter-engagement/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Short Session, Long List for Washington State Legislators (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/10/short-session-long-list-for-legislators-washington-2016/

GENERAL NEWS

Opposition to Navy’s Planned ‘Electronic Warfare’ Training over Olympic Peninsula (Associated Press)

http://q13fox.com/2016/01/09/many-oppose-navys-planned-electronic-warfare-training-over-olympic-peninsula/

Inslee Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for Fall Storm (Associated Press)

http://www.khq.com/story/30922523/inslee-requests-federal-disaster-assistance-for-fall-storm

Shelton Officials Still Indecisive on How & When to Hire a City Admin (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26226-shelton-officials-still-indecisive-on-how-and-when-to-hire-a-city-admin

Seahawks Snatch Heart-Stopping 10-9 Victory from Vikings in NFC Wild Card Game (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2016/01/seahawks-snatch-a-heart-stopping-10-9-victory-from.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Legendary Musician David Bowie Dies of Cancer at 69 (RIP Slim Young Duke)

http://koin.com/ap/iconic-singer-david-bowie-dies-at-69/

Federal Judge Dismisses Naked Portland Violinist's Claims

http://news.yahoo.com/federal-judge-dismisses-naked-portland-violinists-claims-201814065.html

Man Charged with Stealing Thousands of Pounds of Candy

http://news.yahoo.com/man-charged-stealing-thousands-pounds-candy-045145263.html

Solo Entrant in Michigan City Contest Wins $2,000 Package

http://news.yahoo.com/solo-entrant-michigan-city-contest-wins-2-000-131723519.html

SONG OF THE DAY

David Bowie - Life on Mars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAo7YeRkJYo

David Bowie – Fame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9kuNMdUq_0

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

Friday, January 8, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 8, 2016 – Hot Shots Edition

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 8, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1ZS0Eh9

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Oregon State Treasurer Calls for Suspension of State Energy Loan Program That Faces $20 Million Debt (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/01/wheeler-calls-for-suspension-of-state-energy-loan.html

Idaho Power to Rebuild Valley Transmission Line – Increased Capacity Will Create Redundant Line (Idaho Mountain Express, Ketchum)

http://www.mtexpress.com/news/blaine_county/idaho-power-to-rebuild-valley-transmission-line/article_54c8011c-b597-11e5-b7d0-1f428129ca9c.html

Teen Engineer from Washington State Works to Make Global Impact – Airborne Wind Turbines (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/home/3884081-151/teen-engineer-works-to-make-global-impact#

Mason PUD 3 Commission Officers Set for 2016 (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26198-mason-pud-3-commission-officers-set-for-2016

NEEA Announces 2016 Board of Directors – Regional alliance taps key leaders for collaboration on energy efficiency (BusinessWire)

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160107005031/en/NEEA-Announces-2016-Board-Directors

Africa: World's Biggest Dam Has ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Low Water Levels (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-08/world-s-biggest-dam-has-extremely-dangerous-low-water-levels

Audit Suggests Oregon Department of Fish And Wildlife Lacks Long-Term Strategy (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/audit-suggests-oregon-department-fish-and-wildlife-lacks-long-term-strategy

Arrest Made in Suspicious Shelton Death (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/18547

Oregon’s Militia Standoff: Police Shut Off Power at BLM Fire Station near Refuge (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2016/01/police_shut_off_power_at_far_e.html

Washington State, Oregon in Top 10 as Popular Relocation Destinations (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2016/01/washington-cracks-top-10-as-popular-relocation.html

Ken Griffey, Who Will Visit Seattle This Weekend, Will Go into Hall of Fame as Mariner (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2016/01/griffey-will-visit-seattle-this-weekend.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Love & Kisses – Thank God It's Friday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je5SBsCW7NE

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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THE NEWS DIGEST BLOG & TWITTER FEED

The news digest is also available at the following web site:

http://www.energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 7, 2016

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 7, 2016

http://tinyurl.com/z4fvsu7

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Utilities & Enviros Agree on Radical Shift in Oregon’s Energy Supply (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2016/01/utilities_and_enviros_agree_on.html

Snohomish PUD Officially Pulls the Plug on Tidal-Energy Project (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160107/NEWS01/160109347

Washington State to Limit Carbon Pollution from Largest Facilities (Associated Press)

http://komonews.com/news/local/washington-to-limit-carbon-pollution-from-largest-facilities

Threatened Chum Salmon Make Columbia River Comeback (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2016/01/threatened-chum-salmon-make-columbia.html

Effects of Silent Quakes Still a Mystery to Northwest Scientists (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/2016/01/06/tremor-and-earthquake-prediction/78392054/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

Utilities & Enviros Agree on Radical Shift in Oregon’s Energy Supply
Klamath Falls Locals Promote Public Power Plan
British Columbia: Three Arrested at Peace River Dam Site Protest, Charges Possible
Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power General Manager to Lead Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems
Canadian Firm Demands $15 Billion, Launches NAFTA Claim over Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline
Coal Power Declines in Southwest Power Pool, Aided by Cheap Gas, Wind
Threatened Chum Salmon Make Columbia River Comeback
Trout Creek Steelhead Habitat Project Proposed
Squirreling Away Power
Port Angeles City Council to Review Options On Fluoridation Vote
Snohomish PUD Officially Pulls the Plug on Tidal-Energy Project
Solar Community Garden Blooms in Eugene
Nevada Wades into National Net Metering Debate
Tax Credits for Wind & Solar Will Deliver But Will Definitely Be Phased Out
What Utilities Need to Know about Solar Growth after the Investment Tax Credit Extension
Wind Power Startup Nabs $200 Million for Projects on Homes, Farms
Using Weather Forecasts to Manage Power Demand? There’s an App for That
Judge Dismisses Pot Credit Union Suit – Businesses Blocked from Using National Banking System
Shelton Officials Look at State’s Amended Pot Laws
Douglas County Commissioners Consider Pot Growing Ban
Washington State to Limit Carbon Pollution from Largest Facilities
Writing State Implementation Plans for the CPP Won’t Be Easy For Regulators, & Time Is Short
It’s Official: 2015 Was America’s Second Hottest Year on Record
Proposed Terminal at Grays Harbor Won’t Handle Crude Oil
Plug-In Electric Vehicles Left Behind in U-S Autos’ Record Year
Report: Yahoo Plans to Lay Off 10 Percent of Staff
Yahoo - Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Utilities on Alert after Ukraine Cyber Attack
Can the Internet Ever Be Shut Down?
Advice from the Man Who Sent the First Email – Step Away from the Inbox
Report: Facebook Intentionally Crashed Android Apps
Unicorns Are a Bold New Power Source in This Epic British Utility Ad
Effects of Silent Quakes Still a Mystery to Northwest Scientists
Oregon: Burns Paiute Tribe – Militants Need to Get Off ‘Our Land’
Birders & Businesses Fret over Oregon’s Malheur Refuge
Washington State Patrol Chief Takes Issue with Report on Staffing Woes
Shelton on Way to Get “Tree City USA” Recognition

WORD OF THE DAY

Hypergamy ● /high-PER-guh-mee/ ● Noun – Marriage into an equal or higher caste or social group.

Erasmus decided that his practice of hypergamy would be complete with his wedding to the rich widow Smith. What he didn’t count on was that his bigamy would get him in the end.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Utilities & Enviros Agree on Radical Shift in Oregon’s Energy Supply (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2016/01/utilities_and_enviros_agree_on.html

Klamath Falls Locals Promote Public Power Plan (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)

http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/locals-promote-public-power-plan/article_e4331177-3f39-50c7-b033-99bf063abf36.html

British Columbia: Three Arrested at Peace River Dam Site Protest, Charges Possible (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/three-arrested-at-site-c-protest-charges-possible-1.2145916

Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power General Manager to Lead Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (City of Idaho Falls, ID)

https://idahofallsidaho.gov/pr/2015/12/idaho-falls-power-general-manager-to-lead-uamps-council-member-mike-lehto-is-honored-at-uamps-meeting/

Canadian Firm Demands $15 Billion, Launches NAFTA Claim over Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2016/01/06/canadian-firm-demands-15-billion-launches-nafta-claim-over-rejection-of-keystone-xl-pipeline/

Coal Power Declines in Southwest Power Pool, Aided by Cheap Gas, Wind (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/coal-power-declines-in-southwest-power-pool-aided-by-cheap-gas-wind/411701/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Threatened Chum Salmon Make Columbia River Comeback (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2016/01/threatened-chum-salmon-make-columbia.html

Trout Creek Steelhead Habitat Project Proposed (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/07/trout-creek-steelhead-habitat-project-proposed/

Squirreling Away Power (Missoula Independent, MT)

http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/electricity/Content?oid=2623053

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Port Angeles City Council to Review Options On Fluoridation Vote – Protestors Liken Decision to Tyranny (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20160107/news/301079982/port-angeles-city-council-to-review-options-on-fluoridation-vote

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Snohomish PUD Officially Pulls the Plug on Tidal-Energy Project (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160107/NEWS01/160109347

Solar Community Garden Blooms in Eugene (KEZI-TV, Springfield, OR)

http://www.kezi.com/news/Solar_Community_Garden_Blooms_in_Eugene.html

Nevada Wades into National Net Metering Debate (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=44981

Tax Credits for Wind & Solar Will Deliver But Will Definitely Be Phased Out (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2016/01/07/tax-credits-for-wind-and-solar-will-deliver-but-will-definitely-be-phased-out/

What Utilities Need to Know about Solar Growth after the Investment Tax Credit Extension (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/what-utilities-need-to-know-about-solar-growth-after-the-itc-extension/411139/

Wind Power Startup Nabs $200 Million for Projects on Homes, Farms (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-unitedwind-funding-idUSKBN0UJ14520160105

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Using Weather Forecasts to Manage Power Demand? There’s an App for That (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/using-weather-forecasts-to-manage-power-demand-theres-an-app-for-that/411580/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Judge Dismisses Pot Credit Union Suit – Businesses Blocked from Using National Banking System (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/06/judge-dismisses-pot-credit-union-suit/

Shelton Officials Look at State’s Amended Pot Laws (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26163-helton-officials-look-at-state-s-amended-pot-laws

Douglas County Commissioners Consider Pot Growing Ban (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://kpq.com/douglas-county-commissioners-consider-pot-growing-ban/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State to Limit Carbon Pollution from Largest Facilities (Associated Press)

http://komonews.com/news/local/washington-to-limit-carbon-pollution-from-largest-facilities

Writing State Implementation Plans for the CPP Won’t Be Easy For Regulators, & Time Is Short (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2016/01/07/writing-state-implementation-plans-for-the-cpp-wont-be-easy-for-regulators-and-time-is-short/

It’s Official: 2015 Was America’s Second Hottest Year on Record (Mother Jones)

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/01/2015-second-hottest-year-noaa

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Proposed Terminal at Grays Harbor Won’t Handle Crude Oil (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/money/2016/01/06/proposed-terminal-grays-harbor-wont-handle-crude-oil/78385202/

Plug-In Electric Vehicles Left Behind in U-S Autos’ Record Year (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/drive/ci_29351493/plug-electric-vehicles-left-behind-u-s-autos?source=rss

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Report: Yahoo Plans to Lay Off 10 Percent of Staff (New York Business Journal)

http://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2016/01/07/report-yahoo-plans-to-layoff-10-percent-of-staff.html

Yahoo - Where Did It All Go Wrong? (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35243407

Utilities on Alert after Ukraine Cyber Attack (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/utilities-on-alert-after-ukraine-cyber-attack/article/2579783?custom_click=rss

Can the Internet Ever Be Shut Down? (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2016/01/07/mashable-explains-post/

Advice from the Man Who Sent the First Email – Step Away from the Inbox (The Atlantic Magazine)

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/advice-from-the-man-who-sent-the-first-email/421602/

MARKETING & MEDIA

Report: Facebook Intentionally Crashed Android Apps (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Facebook-tests-patience-of-Android-users-with-6741617.php

Unicorns Are a Bold New Power Source in This Epic British Utility Ad (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/unicorns-are-bold-new-power-source-epic-british-utility-ad-168831

GENERAL NEWS

Effects of Silent Quakes Still a Mystery to Northwest Scientists (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/2016/01/06/tremor-and-earthquake-prediction/78392054/

Oregon: Burns Paiute Tribe – Militants Need to Get Off ‘Our Land’ (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2016/01/burns_piaute_tribe_militants_s.html

Birders & Businesses Fret over Oregon’s Malheur Refuge (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/birders-and-businesses-fret-over-oregons-malheur-refuge

Washington State Patrol Chief Takes Issue with Report on Staffing Woes (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2016/01/07/washington-state-patrol-chief-takes-issue-with-report-on-staffing-woes/

Shelton on Way to Get “Tree City USA” Recognition (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26164-shelton-on-way-to-become-a-tree-city-usa

SNAKES ON A WINDSHIELD – DIVERSIONS

Judge Rules Monkey Cannot Own Selfie Photos Copyright

http://www.khq.com/story/30904717/judge-rules-monkey-cannot-own-selfie-photos-copyright

Reporter Is Stabbed While Demonstrating ‘Stab-Proof’ Vest

http://news.yahoo.com/reporter-is-stabbed-while-demonstrating-113837366.html

Google Fixed a Bug Where “Russia” Automatically Translated to “Mordor”

http://io9.gizmodo.com/google-fixed-a-bug-where-russia-automatically-transla-1751551321

Traffic Reporter Drives around with Snake Frozen to Her Windshield

http://time.com/4169611/snake-frozen-windshield/

SONG OF THE DAY

Bryan Adams – Cuts Like a Knife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdq9vvhgS6w

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

The Energy News Digest

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 13, 2016

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 12, 2016 - Hot Shots Edition

Monday, January 11, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 11, 2016

Friday, January 8, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 8, 2016 – Hot Shots Edition

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Energy News Digest for January 7, 2016

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