The Energy News Digest for September 28, 2020

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LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in the news digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Possible Paywall restrictions are noted in the media attribution. Now, go play.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

California Utility Implements Preemptive Blackouts. Should More Oregon Utilities Have Done the Same? (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/california-utility-implements-preemptive-blackouts-should-more-oregon-utilities-have-done-the-same.html

Republicans Seek to Phase Out Federal Tax Credit for Renewables (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/27307-republicans-seek-to-phase-out-federal-tax-credit-for-renewables/?amp

Idaho Falls Has Until October 31 to Decide on Nuke Project (Idaho State Journal)

https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/idaho-falls-has-till-oct-31-to-decide-on-nuke-project/article_6b8af1b0-ccfb-5a24-808e-5fe10187e51e.html

Experts Witness Birth of Second Orca Baby in Pacific Northwest Pod That Lost Calf in 2018 (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/nation-world/national/article246009130.html

Climatologist: Dry Areas in U.S. Southwest Getting Drier (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-weather-droughts-nevada-dfe49b13b186c7d7180545705a449c26

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.        California Utility Implements Preemptive Blackouts. Should More Oregon Utilities Have Done the Same?

2.        Idaho Falls Has Until October 31 to Decide on Nuke Project

3.        Cities Snub Plan to Save Nuclear Power with Mini Reactors

4.        Cowlitz PUD Rates Will Remain Steady for Third Year in a Row

5.        Op/Ed: Current Situation Reminiscent of Montana Energy Flameout

6.        British Columbia: Cost of Peace River Dam Spiraling amid Construction Challenges, Says Open Letter Urging Halt to Project

7.        Eisenhower Dedicated McNary Dam 66 Years Ago This Month, Called Water a ‘Natural Legacy’

8.        In 2019, Nine of the 10 Highest-Generating U.S. Power Plants Were Nuclear Plants

9.        Coal Dropped from 26.9% of US Electricity to 17.7% in 3 Years

10.     ‘You Have to Rethink These Old Ways’: Parting Advice from California ISO’s Retiring CEO

11.     How SoCalGas Leveraged Mayors & Minority Groups to Score a Fossil Fuel Win

12.     NYC Metro #2 in the Nation on Utility Costs

13.     The Mysterious Case of the Missing 250-Ton Chinese Power Transformer

14.     Utility Futility: Answer Man Explores the Wild World of Utility Pole Numbers

15.     Republicans Seek to Phase Out Federal Tax Credit for Renewables

16.     Arizona: Biomass – The budding of a new industry for Payson?

17.     Experts Witness Birth of Second Orca Baby in Pacific Northwest Pod That Lost Calf in 2018

18.     More Female Southern Resident Killer Whales Needed for Population Growth: Scientists

19.     Abundance of One Salmon Species Affects All Others, B.C. Study Suggests

20.     Officials Talk Mitigation Efforts After Release of NEPA Review on Chehalis River Dam

21.     Utah Asks U.S. to Delay Decision on Tapping Colorado River

22.     Climatologist: Dry Areas in U.S. Southwest Getting Drier

23.     In Internet Dead Zones, Rural Schools Struggle with Distanced Learning

24.     Officials: Washington State Being Targeted by Phishing Campaign

25.     DOE Awards $12 Million To APPA, NRECA for Cybersecurity Solutions

26.     Tesla Built a Network of Connected Cars. What Happens When It Goes Down?

27.     Op/Ed: Pot Plants – Power & Water Bogarts?

WORD OF THE DAY

Biophilia • \bye-oh-FILL-ee-uh\ • Noun - A hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature

“Lo, I am one with the lion’s pride,” exulted the wool-clad environmental enthusiast, stepping from his shiny, black Range Rover into the hot environment of the circling, big cats. His ill-conceived biophilia would soon make him into multiple parts INSIDE the pride. And the circle of life continued on the arid plains of Africa.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      California Utility Implements Preemptive Blackouts. Should More Oregon Utilities Have Done the Same? (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/california-utility-implements-preemptive-blackouts-should-more-oregon-utilities-have-done-the-same.html

2.      Idaho Falls Has Until October 31 to Decide on Nuke Project (Idaho State Journal)

https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/idaho-falls-has-till-oct-31-to-decide-on-nuke-project/article_6b8af1b0-ccfb-5a24-808e-5fe10187e51e.html

3.      Cities Snub Plan to Save Nuclear Power with Mini Reactors (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-28/cities-snub-plan-to-save-nuclear-power-with-mini-reactors

4.      Cowlitz PUD Rates Will Remain Steady for Third Year in a Row (Longview Daily News, WA)

https://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-rates-will-remain-steady-for-third-year-in-a-row/article_b08f786b-732b-5eaf-8148-77d5e45e5a31.html

5.      Op/Ed: Current Situation Reminiscent of Montana Energy Flameout (Montana Standard, Butte, MT)

https://mtstandard.com/opinion/columnists/guest-view-current-situation-reminiscent-of-montana-energy-flameout/article_27e34276-acbf-5026-8872-29604b349eeb.html

6.      British Columbia: Cost of Peace River Dam Spiraling amid Construction Challenges, Says Open Letter Urging Halt to Project (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/site-c-letter-1.5741443

7.      Eisenhower Dedicated McNary Dam 66 Years Ago This Month, Called Water a ‘Natural Legacy’ (Tri-Cities Business News, WA)

https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/2020/09/mcnary-dam-eisenhower/

8.      In 2019, Nine of the 10 Highest-Generating U.S. Power Plants Were Nuclear Plants (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=45276

9.      Coal Dropped from 26.9% of US Electricity to 17.7% in 3 Years (Clean Technica)

https://cleantechnica.com/2020/09/26/coal-dropped-from-26-9-of-us-electricity-to-17-7-in-3-years/amp/

10.   ‘You Have to Rethink These Old Ways’: Parting Advice from California ISO’s Retiring CEO (S&P Global)

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/you-have-to-rethink-these-old-ways-parting-advice-from-caiso-s-retiring-ceo-60481529

11.   How SoCalGas Leveraged Mayors & Minority Groups to Score a Fossil Fuel Win (Politico)

https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/09/24/how-socalgas-leveraged-mayors-and-minority-groups-to-score-a-fossil-fuel-win-1304131

12.   NYC Metro #2 in the Nation on Utility Costs (The Cooperator)

https://cooperator.com/article/nyc-metro-2-in-the-nation-on-utility-costs/full

13.   The Mysterious Case of the Missing 250-Ton Chinese Power Transformer (Vice)

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/v7gaqb/the-mysterious-case-of-the-missing-250-ton-chinese-power-transformer

14.   Utility Futility: Answer Man Explores the Wild World of Utility Pole Numbers (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/utility-futility-answer-man-explores-the-wild-world-of-utility-pole-numbers/2020/09/26/d32f794c-fea1-11ea-b555-4d71a9254f4b_story.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

15.   Republicans Seek to Phase Out Federal Tax Credit for Renewables (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/27307-republicans-seek-to-phase-out-federal-tax-credit-for-renewables/?amp

16.   Arizona: Biomass – The budding of a new industry for Payson? (Payson Roundup, AZ)

https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/local/biomass-the-budding-of-a-new-industry-for-payson/article_957b79ff-93f5-5312-8d4c-785a36ea4fb7.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

17.   Experts Witness Birth of Second Orca Baby in Pacific Northwest Pod That Lost Calf in 2018 (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/nation-world/national/article246009130.html

18.   More Female Southern Resident Killer Whales Needed for Population Growth: Scientists (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)

https://www.timescolonist.com/more-female-southern-resident-killer-whales-needed-for-population-growth-scientists-1.24210159

19.   Abundance of One Salmon Species Affects All Others, B.C. Study Suggests (Columbia Valley Pioneer, BC)

https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.com/news/abundance-of-one-salmon-species-affects-all-others-b-c-study-suggests/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

20.   Officials Talk Mitigation Efforts After Release of NEPA Review on Chehalis River Dam (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

http://www.chronline.com/news/officials-talk-mitigation-efforts-after-release-of-nepa-review-on-dam/article_bac15b0c-ff80-11ea-85a1-db77051bc3c6.html

21.   Utah Asks U.S. to Delay Decision on Tapping Colorado River (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/arizona-colorado-utah-lakes-environment-89063af637c16e656039e2b16e9eaa9c

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

22.   Climatologist: Dry Areas in U.S. Southwest Getting Drier (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-weather-droughts-nevada-dfe49b13b186c7d7180545705a449c26

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

23.   In Internet Dead Zones, Rural Schools Struggle with Distanced Learning (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2020/09/28/in-internet-dead-zones-rural-schools-struggle-with-distanced-learning/

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

24.   Officials: Washington State Being Targeted by Phishing Campaign (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/technology-phishing-washington-jay-inslee-bf63ccf1f0e4709efc8871bb7457ef1c

25.   DOE Awards $12 Million To APPA, NRECA for Cybersecurity Solutions (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/doe-awards-12-million-appa-nreca-cybersecurity-solutions

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

26.   Tesla Built a Network of Connected Cars. What Happens When It Goes Down? (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/23/tesla-network-outage/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

27.   Op/Ed: Pot Plants – Power & Water Bogarts? (Sydney Herald, MT)

https://www.sidneyherald.com/opinion/pot-plants-power-and-water-bogarts/article_4dad8e74-fddb-11ea-88ef-0bc726b748d9.html

THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Chance of Aurora Borealis Sighting in Western Washington State This Week

https://mynorthwest.com/2193160/aurora-western-washington-september-2020/

Bold Move to Stow Away on Alaska Ferry in Bellingham May Earn Kitten a Superhero Home

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article245958070.html

'Teapot' Found in Garage Sells for Nearly $500,000

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/09/25/Teapot-found-in-garage-sells-for-nearly-500000/1781601057114/

Antiques Dealer Seeking Family from 100-Year-Old Wedding Photo

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/09/25/Antiques-dealer-seeking-family-from-100-year-old-wedding-photo/6381601066021/

SONG OF THE DAY

The Fifth Dimension – Wedding Bell Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q21Bky7r2A

The Energy News Digest for September 23, 2020

Thanks to the Northwest Public Power Association, The Energy News Digest is in your inbox.

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Comments or Questions? Contact the Energy News Digest editor.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

‘The Damage Is Unspeakable’: An Oregon Co-op Leader’s Emotional Letter on Wildfire Restoration Work (NRECA)

https://www.electric.coop/oregon-co-op-leaders-letter-on-oregon-wildfires-restoration/

California Banning Sales of New Gasoline Cars in the State by 2035 (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/09/23/california-banning-sales-of-new-gasoline-cars-in-the-state-by-2035/#71ef8d417b87

Solar Development Dispute – California Grants Western Joshua Trees Temporary Endangered Species Protections (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2020-09-22/western-joshua-trees-granted-temporary-endangered-species-protections

Montana: Again, Supreme Court finds PSC unlawful in solar dealings (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/again-supreme-court-finds-psc-unlawful-in-solar-dealings/article_257ee485-df80-55a3-823c-4d87ea0310f7.html

Murkowski 'Not Giving Up' on Senate Clean Energy Bill Vote Before the End of 2020 (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/murkowski-not-giving-up-on-senate-clean-energy-bill-vote-before-the-end-o/585710/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1.        ‘The Damage Is Unspeakable’: An Oregon Co-op Leader’s Emotional Letter on Wildfire Restoration Work

2.        Utility Equipment Eyed as Possible Source of Fire Near Los Angeles

3.        San Diego Wants at Least $80 Million for Its Electric & Gas Franchise Agreement

4.        As U.S. Renewables Eclipse Coal Generation, Environmentalists Are Pivoting to Attack Natural Gas

5.        Bonneville Power Administration Takes Step toward More Normal Operations, Ramping Up Construction & Maintenance Work

6.        Scam Utility Calls Are the Latest Pandemic Ploy to Target Your Cash

7.        Solar Development Dispute – California Grants Western Joshua Trees Temporary Endangered Species Protections

8.        Montana: Again, Supreme Court Finds PSC Unlawful in Solar Dealings

9.        Maine Company Looks to Tidal Power as Renewable Energy’s Next Generation

10.     As Concerns Over Climate Change Rise, More Developers Turn to Wood

11.     101 First Nations in British Columbia Demand Removal of Open-Net Salmon Farms Near Campbell River

12.     Orcas Knock Into Sailboats, Force Spain to Limit Yachting

13.     NCTA: FCC Should Stick with 25/3 Speed Threshold

14.     Western Area Power Administration Fiber Optics Feasibility Assessment Published

15.     Numbers Don’t Bode Well for Tribe’s Appeal on Rights to Maine River

16.     California Banning Sales of New Gasoline Cars in the State by 2035

17.     Tesla's Value Drops $50 Billion as Musk's Promised Cheaper Battery Three Years Away

18.     Tesla’s Latest Big Unveiling Isn’t a Car or Truck: It’s the Battery Tech That Could Power Its Future

19.     Murkowski 'Not Giving Up' on Senate Clean Energy Bill Vote Before the End of 2020

WORD OF THE DAY

Gustatory • \GUSS-tuh-tore-ee\ • Adjective - Relating to or associated with eating or the sense of taste.

Harvey’s Haggis Hut was all a-tremble with anticipation. The Scottish Highland Games were scheduled over the holidays in Saco, Montana. After the locals’ eschewing of the gustatory delights of the sheep-innards concoction, Harvey was hopeful that the arrival of the hale and hearty Scotsmen (and women) would turn things around…if they had the “stomach” for it. (Sorry about the double pun here)

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.        ‘The Damage Is Unspeakable’: An Oregon Co-op Leader’s Emotional Letter on Wildfire Restoration Work (NRECA)

https://www.electric.coop/oregon-co-op-leaders-letter-on-oregon-wildfires-restoration/

2.        Utility Equipment Eyed as Possible Source of Fire Near Los Angeles (Sacramento Bee, CA)

https://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article245947315.html

3.        San Diego Wants at Least $80 Million for Its Electric & Gas Franchise Agreement (San Diego Union-Tribune, CA)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-09-23/san-diego-sends-out-invitations-to-bid-on-the-citys-electric-and-gas-franchise

4.        As U.S. Renewables Eclipse Coal Generation, Environmentalists Are Pivoting to Attack Natural Gas (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidcherney/2020/09/22/as-us-renewables-eclipse-coal-generation-environmentalists-are-pivoting-to-attack-natural-gas/#19bd5e257abb

5.        Bonneville Power Administration Takes Step toward More Normal Operations, Ramping Up Construction & Maintenance Work (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-takes-step-toward-more-normal-operations-ramping-up-construction-and-maintenance-work.aspx

6.        Scam Utility Calls Are the Latest Pandemic Ploy to Target Your Cash (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-09-22/scam-utility-calls

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

7.        Solar Development Dispute – California Grants Western Joshua Trees Temporary Endangered Species Protections (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2020-09-22/western-joshua-trees-granted-temporary-endangered-species-protections

8.        Montana: Again, Supreme Court Finds PSC Unlawful in Solar Dealings (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/again-supreme-court-finds-psc-unlawful-in-solar-dealings/article_257ee485-df80-55a3-823c-4d87ea0310f7.html

9.        Maine Company Looks to Tidal Power as Renewable Energy’s Next Generation (Energy News Network)

https://energynews.us/2020/09/23/northeast/maine-company-looks-to-tidal-power-as-renewable-energys-next-generation/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

10.     As Concerns Over Climate Change Rise, More Developers Turn to Wood (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/business/mass-timber-wood-buildings.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

11.     101 First Nations in British Columbia Demand Removal of Open-Net Salmon Farms Near Campbell River (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/101-b-c-first-nations-demand-removal-of-open-net-salmon-farms-near-campbell-river-b-c-1.5733840

12.     Orcas Knock Into Sailboats, Force Spain to Limit Yachting (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Orca-attacks-force-Spain-to-ban-yachting-off-15590257.php

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

13.     NCTA: FCC Should Stick with 25/3 Speed Threshold (Next-TV)

https://www.nexttv.com/news/ncta-fcc-should-stick-with-253-speed-threshold

14.     Western Area Power Administration Fiber Optics Feasibility Assessment Published (Western Area Power Administration)

https://www.wapa.gov/newsroom/NewsFeatures/2020/Pages/Fiber-optics-feasibility-assessment-published.aspx

“CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE” – WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

15.     Numbers Don’t Bode Well for Tribe’s Appeal on Rights to Maine River (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/numbers-dont-bode-well-for-tribes-appeal-on-rights-to-maine-river/

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

16.     California Banning Sales of New Gasoline Cars in the State by 2035 (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/09/23/california-banning-sales-of-new-gasoline-cars-in-the-state-by-2035/#71ef8d417b87

17.     Tesla's Value Drops $50 Billion as Musk's Promised Cheaper Battery Three Years Away (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-batteryday/teslas-value-drops-50-billion-as-musks-promised-cheaper-battery-three-years-away-idUSKCN26D19P

18.     Tesla’s Latest Big Unveiling Isn’t a Car or Truck: It’s the Battery Tech That Could Power Its Future (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/22/musk-tesla-batteries/

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

19.     Murkowski 'Not Giving Up' on Senate Clean Energy Bill Vote Before the End of 2020 (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/murkowski-not-giving-up-on-senate-clean-energy-bill-vote-before-the-end-o/585710/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

WA U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse Named '2020 Beer Champion' by Beer Institute

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/regional/representative-dan-newhouse-named-2020-beer-champion-by-beer-institute/article_0e597b5d-b276-5a91-b73e-b417ab6bff3b.html

Bus-Size Asteroid to Zoom by Earth Thursday, Ducking Below Satellites

https://www.courthousenews.com/bus-size-asteroid-to-zoom-by-earth-ducking-below-satellites/

A Farmer Fell Ill. So Dozens Of His Neighbors Showed Up Spontaneously & Harvested His Crops.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/09/23/farmer-fell-ill-so-dozens-his-neighbors-showed-up-spontaneously-harvested-his-crops/

Chicago Bears' Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at age 77

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29951448/chicago-bears-hall-fame-running-back-gale-sayers-dies-age-77

SONG OF THE DAY

Neil Young – Harvest Moon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P5siCnNKnw

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in the news digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links.

Energy News Digest for September 22, 2020

Thanks to the Northwest Public Power Association, The Energy News Digest is in your inbox.

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Comments or Questions? Contact the Energy News Digest editor.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Utah Lawmakers Seek Details on Planned Nuclear Plant in Idaho (Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT)

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/9/19/21438026/news-nuclear-plant-in-idaho-lawmakers-seek-details-on-planned-nuscale-uamps

‘No More Wind.’ WA State Utility Questions Efficacy of Wind Farms for Power Generation (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/article245808810.html

Montana Coal Production Down 21% from Last Year (KPVI-TV, Idaho Falls, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/montana-coal-production-down-21-from-last-year/article_268909e9-dff0-51d6-8b23-817332ceccb6.html

Fish in Oregon Hatcheries Die, Released Early as Fires Rage (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/oregon/articles/2020-09-17/fish-in-oregon-hatcheries-die-released-early-as-fires-rage

Water Shortages in U.S. West Likelier Than Previously Thought (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/be04e1fa0008d0dbcd537148dd7f2ab0

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1.      Utah Lawmakers Seek Details on Planned Nuclear Plant in Idaho

2.      Editorial: City Council Should Remain Committed to Small Modular Reactor Project

3.      Montana Coal Production Down 21% from Last Year

4.      GE Throws in the Towel on Coal-Fired Power

5.      Tree on Power Line Apparent Start for Washington State Fire

6.      California Is Burning: Here’s What It Means for Utilities

7.      Lewis County PUD Proposes 3.8 Percent Rate Increase to Balance 2020-21 Budget

8.      Cascade Natural Gas Rates May See Short-Term Decrease, Boost in 2021

9.      Bullying, Spying & Harassment Revealed in Montana Public Service Commission Documents

10.   Two Workers Struck by Electricity at Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion Site

11.   FERC Investigates Risk of Foreign Adversary-Supplied Bulk Power Equipment, With Focus on Huawei, ZTE

12.   ‘No More Wind.’ WA State Utility Questions Efficacy of Wind Farms for Power Generation

13.   FERC Approves Final Rule Enabling DERs to Compete in Regional Electric Markets

14.   Fish in Oregon Hatcheries Die, Released Early as Fires Rage

15.   Pikeminnow Program Extended on Columbia, Snake Rivers

16.   Open-Ocean Fish Farm Proposed Off San Diego Coast Could Be First in Federal Waters

17.   Researchers Attach Cameras to Pacific Northwest Orcas, Revealing a Marvelous Underwater World

18.   Pend Oreille PUD Receives Results of CNS Fiber Feasibility Study

19.   The U.S. Needs a Broadband Reboot

20.   Water Shortages in U.S. West Likelier Than Previously Thought

21.   Oregon Democrats Won't Try to Pass Cap & Trade in '21: Report

22.   Norway to Build $3 Billion ‘Longship’ Carbon Dioxide Capture Project

23.   Founder of GM Electric Truck Partner Quits Amid Allegations

24.   Puget Sound Energy Rolls Out First of Several Public EV Charging Stations

WORD OF THE DAY

Provocateur • \pro-vock-uh-TER\ • Noun - One who incites or stimulates another to action

After a five minute reprieve, the six year old provocateur kicking the federal marshal’s seat in economy class learned the meaning of a fully reclined airliner seat…spending the remaining three hours and 55 minutes immobilized under the back of a seat, whose magazine bin contained old “Skymall” catalogs, crumpled peanut snack bags, and what appeared to be slightly used air travel “discomfort” bags.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Utah Lawmakers Seek Details on Planned Nuclear Plant in Idaho (Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT)

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/9/19/21438026/news-nuclear-plant-in-idaho-lawmakers-seek-details-on-planned-nuscale-uamps

2.      Editorial: City Council Should Remain Committed to Small Modular Reactor Project (Idaho Falls Post-Register, ID)

https://www.postregister.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-city-council-should-remain-committed-to-smr-project/article_c803c516-47f4-509a-ba00-552823c8affd.html

3.      Montana Coal Production Down 21% from Last Year (KPVI-TV, Idaho Falls, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/montana-coal-production-down-21-from-last-year/article_268909e9-dff0-51d6-8b23-817332ceccb6.html

4.      GE Throws in the Towel on Coal-Fired Power (Power Magazine)

https://www.powermag.com/ge-throws-in-the-towel-on-coal-fired-power/

5.      Tree on Power Line Apparent Start for Washington State Fire (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-09-20/tree-on-power-line-apparent-start-for-washington-state-fire

6.      California Is Burning: Here’s What It Means for Utilities (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2020/09/17/california-is-burning-heres-what-it-means-for-utilities/#6b00944c6bb5

7.      Lewis County PUD Proposes 3.8 Percent Rate Increase to Balance 2020-21 Budget (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

http://www.chronline.com/news/lewis-county-pud-proposes-3-8-percent-rate-increase-to-balance-2020-21-budget/article_b5135468-f9fd-11ea-9467-afbe710b91ba.html

8.      Cascade Natural Gas Rates May See Short-Term Decrease, Boost in 2021 (Longview Daily News, WA)

https://tdn.com/news/local/cascade-natural-gas-rates-may-see-short-term-decrease-boost-in-2021/article_5413d43c-8086-501f-8350-2e0672249cf3.html

9.      Bullying, Spying & Harassment Revealed in Montana Public Service Commission Documents (Montana Standard)

https://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/bullying-spying-and-harassment-revealed-in-montana-psc-documents/article_28918174-84e8-51ba-94bf-124bb9256174.html

10.   Two Workers Struck by Electricity at Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion Site (KSNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV)

https://news3lv.com/news/local/two-workers-electrocuted-at-las-vegas-convention-center-expansion-site

11.   FERC Investigates Risk of Foreign Adversary-Supplied Bulk Power Equipment, With Focus on Huawei, ZTE (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-investigates-risk-of-foreign-adversary-supplied-bulk-power-equipment/585562/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

12.   ‘No More Wind.’ WA State Utility Questions Efficacy of Wind Farms for Power Generation (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/article245808810.html

13.   FERC Approves Final Rule Enabling DERs to Compete in Regional Electric Markets (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/27222-ferc-approves-final-rule-enabling-ders-to-compete-in-regional-electric-markets/?amp

FISH & WILDLIFE

14.   Fish in Oregon Hatcheries Die, Released Early as Fires Rage (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/oregon/articles/2020-09-17/fish-in-oregon-hatcheries-die-released-early-as-fires-rage

15.   Pikeminnow Program Extended on Columbia, Snake Rivers (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2020/sep/18/pikeminnow-program-extended-on-columbia-snake-rivers/

16.   Open-Ocean Fish Farm Proposed Off San Diego Coast Could Be First in Federal Waters (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-09-20/open-ocean-fish-farm-proposed-off-san-diego-coast-could-be-first-in-federal-waters

17.   Researchers Attach Cameras to Pacific Northwest Orcas, Revealing a Marvelous Underwater World (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/researchers-attach-cameras-to-pacific-northwest-orcas-revealing-a-marvelous-underwater-world/

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

18.   Pend Oreille PUD Receives Results of CNS Fiber Feasibility Study (Pend Oreille PUD, Newport, WA)

https://energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/2020/09/pend-oreille-pud-receives-results-of.html

19.   The U.S. Needs a Broadband Reboot (The Hill, Washington, DC)

https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/517299-the-us-needs-a-broadband-reboot

“CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE” – WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

20.   Water Shortages in U.S. West Likelier Than Previously Thought (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/be04e1fa0008d0dbcd537148dd7f2ab0

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

21.   Oregon Democrats Won't Try to Pass Cap & Trade in '21: Report (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2020/09/18/cap-and-trade-in-oregon-2021.html

22.   Norway to Build $3 Billion ‘Longship’ Carbon Dioxide Capture Project (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nilsrokke/2020/09/21/norways-18-billion-ccs-proposal-is-great-news-for-the-climate/#7e29d9f0179e

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

23.   Founder of GM Electric Truck Partner Quits Amid Allegations (Victoria Times Colonist)

https://www.timescolonist.com/founder-of-gm-electric-truck-partner-quits-amid-allegations-1.24206551

24.   Puget Sound Energy Rolls Out First of Several Public EV Charging Stations (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

https://www.thurstontalk.com/2020/09/17/pse-rolls-out-first-of-several-public-ev-charging-stations/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Thailand Officials Mail Litter Left in Parks Back to Litterers

https://thehill.com/homenews/news/517371-thailand-officials-mail-litter-left-in-parks-back-to-litterers

As Demand Outstrips US Toilet Paper Supply, Imports Roll In

https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2020/0918/As-demand-outstrips-US-toilet-paper-supply-imports-roll-in?icid=rss

Inslee Brings Maggot-Infested Apples to Washington State Wildfire Zone, Breaking State Law

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/Inslee-brings-maggot-infested-apples-to-wildfire-15574937.php

Illinois Man Has Kept Richard Nixon's Unfinished Sandwich for 60 Years

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/09/22/Illinois-man-has-kept-Richard-Nixons-unfinished-sandwich-for-60-years/7931600792813/

SONG OF THE DAY

The Osmonds – One Bad Apple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Cxl5bVmVU

Pend Oreille PUD Receives Results of CNS Fiber Feasibility Study

(NEWPORT, WA) – Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County (PUD) received two $50,000 grants last year from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Revitalization Board and the Washington State Public Works Board to conduct a Community Network System (CNS) feasibility study in northern Pend Oreille County. The goal of the feasibility study was to determine the cost and infrastructure needs to extend broadband fiber services to the residents of the north-end of Pend Oreille County. The study, conducted by CCG Consulting (CCG), began in February with the majority of the surveys to support the study being conducted throughout the month of March. The results of the study became available recently and revealed that it will cost an estimated $20 million to extend broadband fiber to all residents of the north-end. Research was also conducted to determine the cost to extend to only the residents in the cities, towns, and densely populated areas, that cost came in at an estimated $7 million.

CCG said that the number of survey responses they received resulted in some of the best participation they had ever seen when studying rural areas across the country. CCG also stated that “the northern county has some of the worst broadband they have ever seen”. The statistical results of the residential survey are interesting and are outlined below:

• The survey resulted in 848 residential responses (25% of all potential customers).
• 84% of respondents favored the idea of expanding fiber into the northern county. Most of the rest said they needed more information.
• 58% of homes have a broadband connection of some type today (50% RTI, 18% fixed wireless, 17% satellite, 13% use cellular).
• The results released low satisfaction with current Retail Service Providers (RSPs) (only 15% happy with download speeds, 33% happy with customer service, and 14% happy with the value they get compared to the price they pay).
• Customers buying stand-alone broadband pay an average of $105 per month. That’s one of the highest numbers CCG has ever seen.
• 64% of respondents work at home at least part time. 59% would work from home more with better broadband.
• 25% of respondents have school age children. 69% of them said the broadband was inadequate for doing schoolwork from home.
• 61% of households said they would switch to fiber and pay the same fees they pay today.
• 42% of respondents said they would pay the connection fee to get added to the network.

The PUD’s next steps are to explore potential grant funding to determine what extent fiber could be extended to the northern county. “The PUD maintains a goal of providing greater connectivity opportunities to the north-end of the county and is excited about moving forward and exploring options to make this happen,” said Sarah Holderman, the PUD’s Director of Treasury, Broadband and Strategic Planning. “The results of the study are extremely helpful - we thank and appreciate all those who took the time to participate in the survey.”