Bonneville Power Administration Adopts Rates to Strengthen Finances & Adapt to a Rapidly Changing Electricity Industry (Bonneville Power Administration)

(Portland, OR) – Today the Bonneville Power Administration set rates for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 that will help support long-term rate stability and maximize the value of the regional federal power and transmission systems. BPA adopted a 5.4 percent average wholesale power rate increase and an average transmission rate decrease of 0.7 percent that will take effect Oct. 1. 

“We worked very hard on behalf of our customers to manage our costs and make changes that will strengthen our finances and improve our competitive position in the rapidly changing electricity market,” said BPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Elliot Mainzer.  “However, despite aggressive cost-management actions, costs beyond our direct control continue to place significant upward pressure on our power rates. BPA will further address these cost pressures through the completion of a long-term business strategy later this year in collaboration with customers and regional partners.” 

The 5.4 percent increase results in an average wholesale power rate of $35.57 per megawatt-hour, an increase of 2.7 percent annually. The overall rate increase is primarily due to a lower-than-expected demand for power, a declining forecast of surplus power sales revenues due to lower market prices, and escalating costs of programs driven by legal requirements.  BPA is working with regional partners to identify new revenue streams and continued cost-containment strategies that may help mitigate these rising cost pressures.

BPA has also adopted a new Financial Reserves Policy.  This policy establishes a framework for setting and managing financial reserves levels to support BPA’s credit ratings, liquidity, equity between business lines and rate stability. Approximately 1 percent of the power rate increase will be used to replenish Power’s financial reserves levels, while transmission’s financial reserves remain stable. 

Transmission rates will decrease in the next rate period by an average of 0.7 percent. This is due to cost-management efforts and savings from debt-management actions. Looking forward, BPA is working to address the significant impact of long-term capital costs and develop a sustainable investment strategy for pending transmission system capital needs.

BPA created a spill surcharge to recover the costs associated with increased spill that is anticipated as a result of a ruling issued this past spring by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The court indicated that it will order increased spill at eight Federal Columbia River Power System dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers for the 2018 spring fish passage season. The surcharge will be in addition to the new power rates and will be implemented once sufficient information becomes available regarding planned annual spill levels. As part of the surcharge calculation, Bonneville is committed to working with its regional partners to find program cost savings, including in our Environment, Fish and Wildlife spending, to help offset the costs of increased spill.

The new rates also include investments to modernize core utility operating systems that will enable BPA to maximize the efficiency of grid operations and provide the option to participate in emerging markets.

“This rate case is ultimately about investing in our future and continuing to deliver value to our customers and the broader region for many years to come,” said Mainzer. 

Energy News Digest for July 26, 2017

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SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 26, 2017

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Local Lawmakers See Little Hope for Capital Budget This Year (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, WA)

http://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local-lawmakers-see-little-hope-for-capital-budget-this-year/article_2f338f16-716b-11e7-8d0d-67ae791078e3.html

U-S Senate Panel Opposes Sale of Power Marketing Administration Assets, Bolsters Cybersecurity Agreement (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=48574

New Meters Mean Seattle City Light Won’t Visit Homes Anymore (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/new-meters-mean-seattle-city-light-wont-visit-homes-anymore/

Undammed River – Fraser River Sockeye Fishery Closed after Low Early Returns (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fraser-river-sockeye-early-runs-1.4221581?cmp=rss

Rural Internet Can Help Shrink Economic Gap (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/rural-internet-is-a-way-to-close-economic-gap/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• U-S Senate Panel Opposes Sale of Power Marketing Administration Assets, Bolsters Cybersecurity Agreement
• New Meters Mean Seattle City Light Won’t Visit Homes Anymore
• Okanogan PUD Commissioners Pass Resolution to Amend Electric Service Rate Schedules
• Tillamook PUD to Keep Power Rates Stable through Next Year
• Local Utilities Support Balanced, Focused Columbia River Management
• Chelan PUD Commissioners Extend GM Steve Wright’s Contract
• Bonneville Power Administration Employee Wins DOE Earth Day Photo Contest
• San Juan County Youth Scholars Shine at Regional Co-op Leadership Camp
• Per Capita Residential Electricity Sales in the U-S Have Fallen Since 2010
• U-S Judge Refuses to Halt New York Nuclear Power Plant Subsidies
• Researchers: US Natural Gas Reserves at 52-Year High
• U-S Energy Secretary Duped into Fake Interview with Russian Comedians
• Undammed River – Fraser River Sockeye Fishery Closed after Low Early Returns
• Olympic National Park Issues Draft Mountain Goat Plan – Options Include Relocation, Killing
• Idaho, Utah Team Up to Fight Invasive Mussels
• Algae Bloom in Hood Canal, Washington
• Columbia River Levels Discussed at Grant PUD Meetings
• Tariffs on Solar Panels Could Slow Industry Growth by 66%
• First Cooperative Community Solar Project in Idaho Launches
• Editorial: Oregon – Drop Solar Farm Idea
• Washington State’s Cannabis Financier Problem
• California’s Cap-and-Trade Tax Extension Signed Into Law
• Study: Utilities Knew about Climate Change Risks Decades Ago
• Rural Internet Can Help Shrink Economic Gap
• Lawmakers Are Calling for a Net Neutrality Faceoff Between Google & Comcast, Among Others
• Some Bitcoin Backers Are Defecting to Create a Rival Currency
• An Internet Revolt Just Saved Microsoft Paint
• Yakima Anti-Pot Billboard Draws Social Media Ire
• Inside 'Energy Dominance' & Other DOE Buzzwords
• Roomba’s Collection of Personal Home Data a Possible Threat to Livelihood of Owners
• Local Lawmakers See Little Hope for Capital Budget This Year
• Washington State Agency Says No Capital Budget Puts Forests in Jeopardy
• Petition Started Against Washington Distracted Driving Law
• Pay-Per-Mile Tax Program Is Going to be Tested in Washington State
• Group Secures Enough Valid Shelton Voter Signatures to Place ‘City Council’ Government Proposal on Ballot
• Council Initiative – Special Shelton City Commission Meeting Wednesday
• Suspect in Bizarre Shooting of Mason County Man Dragging Dead Animal Pleads Innocent
• Mason County Unemployment Drops Again
• Shavings Company Opens Shelton Plant
• Mandatory Ten-Digit Dialing for Western Washington Begins This Weekend

WORD OF THE DAY

Argus • \ARE-guss\ • Noun – 1: a hundred-eyed monster of Greek mythology 2: a watchful guardian

“Man, that guy has eyes in the back of his head… literally” whispered the study hall student to his companion. Principal Strickland was pleased with the hiring of Argus as his vice-principal. “I’m no slacker when it comes to keeping an eye on things,” he barked. “But this guy’s the best!”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

U-S Senate Panel Opposes Sale of Power Marketing Administration Assets, Bolsters Cybersecurity Agreement (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=48574

New Meters Mean Seattle City Light Won’t Visit Homes Anymore (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/new-meters-mean-seattle-city-light-wont-visit-homes-anymore/

Okanogan PUD Commissioners Pass Resolution to Amend Electric Service Rate Schedules (Okanogan PUD, Okanogan, WA)

https://www.okanoganpud.org/news/commissioners-pass-resolution-amend-electric-service-rate-schedules-1

Tillamook PUD to Keep Power Rates Stable through Next Year (Tillamook Headlight Herald, OR)

https://www.tillamookheadlightherald.com/news/pud-to-keep-power-rates-stable-through-next-year/article_0aea32fc-7177-11e7-bb78-83d02785bbcf.html

Local Utilities Support Balanced, Focused Columbia River Management (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/26644

Chelan PUD Commissioners Extend GM Steve Wright’s Contract (NCW Life Channel, East Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.ncwlife.com/commissioners-extend-pud-gm-wrights-contract/

Bonneville Power Administration Employee Wins DOE Earth Day Photo Contest (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Kaup-wins-DOEs-Earth-Day-photo-contest.aspx

San Juan County Youth Scholars Shine at Regional Co-op Leadership Camp (San Juan Islander, Friday Harbor, WA)

http://sanjuanislander.com/news-articles/utilities/opalco/25368/san-juan-county-youth-scholars-shine-at-regional-co-op-leadership-camp

Per Capita Residential Electricity Sales in the U-S Have Fallen Since 2010 (U-S Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=32212

U-S Judge Refuses to Halt New York Nuclear Power Plant Subsidies (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-york-nuclearpower-idUSKBN1AA2VF

Researchers: US natural gas reserves at 52-year high (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/researchers-us-natural-gas-reserves-at-52-year-high/article/2629089

U-S Energy Secretary Duped into Fake Interview with Russian Comedians (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-energysecretary-idUSKBN1AB06G

FISH & WILDLIFE

Undammed River – Fraser River Sockeye Fishery Closed after Low Early Returns (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fraser-river-sockeye-early-runs-1.4221581?cmp=rss

Olympic National Park Issues Draft Mountain Goat Plan – Options Include Relocation, Killing (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/olympic-national-park-issues-draft-mountain-goat-plan-options-include-relocation-killing/

Idaho, Utah Team Up to Fight Invasive Mussels (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/23/idaho-utah-team-up-to-fight-invasive-mussels/

WATER, THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE

Algae Bloom in Hood Canal, Washington (NASA Earth Observatory)

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=88454

Columbia River Levels Discussed at Grant PUD Meetings (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wa)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/article/20170726/ARTICLE/170729934

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

Tariffs on Solar Panels Could Slow Industry Growth by 66% (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-26/tariffs-on-solar-panels-seen-slowing-industry-growth-by-66

First Cooperative Community Solar Project in Idaho Launches (KREM-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.krem.com/news/local/bonner-county/first-cooperative-community-solar-project-in-idaho-launches/459273231

Editorial: Oregon – Drop Solar Farm Idea (Ashland Daily Tidings, OR)

http://www.dailytidings.com/opinion/20170726/our-view-drop-solar-farm-idea

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Washington State’s Cannabis Financier Problem (Canna Law Blogg)

http://www.cannalawblog.com/washington-states-cannabis-financier-problem/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

California’s Cap-and-Trade Tax Extension Signed Into Law (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/californias-cap-trade-tax-extension-signed-law/

Study: Utilities Knew about Climate Change Risks Decades Ago (The Hill. Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/343636-study-utilities-knew-about-climate-change-risks-decades-ago

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Rural Internet Can Help Shrink Economic Gap (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/rural-internet-is-a-way-to-close-economic-gap/

Lawmakers Are Calling for a Net Neutrality Faceoff Between Google & Comcast, Among Others (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/07/25/the-house-wants-tech-companies-and-internet-providers-to-testify-on-net-neutrality/?utm_term=.b7c6430c3822

Some Bitcoin Backers Are Defecting to Create a Rival Currency (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/business/dealbook/bitcoin-cash-split.html

An Internet Revolt Just Saved Microsoft Paint (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/07/25/an-internet-revolt-just-saved-microsoft-paint/?utm_term=.1d67f8d0ae5e

MARKETING & MEDIA

Yakima Anti-Pot Billboard Draws Social Media Ire (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Yakima-anti-pot-billboard-draws-social-media-ire-11404396.php

Inside 'Energy Dominance' & Other DOE Buzzwords (E&E Publishing)

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060057825

Roomba’s Collection of Personal Home Data a Possible Threat to Livelihood of Owners (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/roombas-collection-of-personal-home-data-a-possible-threat-to-livelihood-of-owners/

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Local Lawmakers See Little Hope for Capital Budget This Year (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, WA)

http://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local-lawmakers-see-little-hope-for-capital-budget-this-year/article_2f338f16-716b-11e7-8d0d-67ae791078e3.html

Washington State Agency Says No Capital Budget Puts Forests in Jeopardy (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://kpq.com/dnr-no-capital-budget-puts-forests-jeopardy/

Petition Started Against Washington Distracted Driving Law (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/26/petition-started-against-washington-distracted-dri/

Pay-Per-Mile Tax Program Is Going to be Tested in Washington State (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/489303/washington-gas-tax-pilot/

GENERAL NEWS

Group Secures Enough Valid Shelton Voter Signatures to Place ‘City Council’ Government Proposal on Ballot (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/group-secures-enough-valid-voter-signatures-to-place-city-council/article_f20cc9f6-7172-11e7-85e0-2b3ca2fbb105.html

Council Initiative – Special Shelton City Commission Meeting Wednesday (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/26651

Suspect in Bizarre Shooting of Mason County Man Dragging Dead Animal Pleads Innocent (KCPQ-TV, Seattle/Tacoma, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2017/07/24/suspect-in-bizarre-shooting-of-mason-county-man-dragging-dead-animal-pleads-not-guilty/

Mason County Unemployment Drops Again (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/26647

Shavings Company Opens Shelton Plant (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/communities/mason/2017/07/17/shavings-company-opens-shelton-plant/485743001/

Mandatory Ten-Digit Dialing for Western Washington Begins This Weekend (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://www.thedailyworld.com/news/mandatory-10-digit-dialing-for-western-washington-begins-this-week/

WATERSHIP DOWN EDITION – DIVERSIONS

Randy Bachman's Guitarology – The Real Opening Chord to a Hard Days Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwfH9oAiPH0

Police: Woman Arrested after Topless Road Rage Attack

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/police-woman-arrested-after-topless-road-rage-attack/article_32768f43-c98a-5c94-a12e-45edfdeb1261.html

Hop On! Wild Rabbits Surf on Sheep to Flee New Zealand Flood

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/hop-on-wild-rabbits-surf-on-sheep-to-flee-new/article_86e63b95-4276-5230-9a2b-2ef7dd43cd03.html

Wisconsin Company Offers Employees Microchip Implants

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tech-implants-idUSKBN1AA2UZ

SONG OF THE DAY

The Salsoul Orchestra – Getaway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSy3u_i-Hao

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LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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Energy News Digest for July 24, 2017

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SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 24, 2017

Rest of Pacific Northwest Summer Looks as Dry & Warm as First Half (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/rest-northwest-summer-looks-dry-and-warm-first-half

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Washington State Legislature Fails to Pass Capital Budget (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://www.thedailyworld.com/news/state-legislature-fails-to-pass-capital-budget/

Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to NW Power/Conservation Council’s Basin Fish/Wildlife Program (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/439307.aspx

Avista Sale Latest in Trend of Canadian Utility Acquisitions (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/21/avista-sale-latest-in-trend-of-canadian-utility-ac/

Montana Lawmakers Shocked That Attorney General Didn’t Testify in Colstrip Shutdown (Billings Gazette, MT)

http://billingsgazette.com/business/montana-lawmakers-shocked-that-attorney-general-didn-t-testify-in/article_7ab98ecf-2715-506c-a5c1-ed6d96bb2c74.html

BC Hydro Shuffles Leadership as Provincial Government Prepares Review of Peace River Dam (Globe & Mail, Canada)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/head-of-bc-hydro-replaced-as-ndp-government-prepares-review-of-site-c/article35773380/?cmpid=rss1

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Avista Sale Latest in Trend of Canadian Utility Acquisitions
• Sale of Avista Would Require ‘Net Benefits’ to Ratepayers, Washington State Regulators Say
• Montana Lawmakers Shocked That Attorney General Didn’t Testify in Colstrip Shutdown
• BC Hydro Shuffles Leadership as Provincial Government Prepares Review of Peace River Dam
• Dworshak’s Largest Turbine out another Year; Poses Challenges for Salmon Management
• Snohomish PUD Works to Replace Older Power Poles, Underground Lines
• Climbing Cat on Power Pole Causes Fire near Soap Lake
• Warren Buffet Is Building Up a ‘Recession Resistant’ Energy Powerhouse
• Federal Power Study – ‘No Political Interference,’ DOE Author Says
• Yucca Mountain: High Stakes & High Hurdles
• Canadian Tribe Opposes Proposed NE U-S Power Line Project
• Hate Losing Power During Storms? We Could Fix That
• Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to NW Power/Conservation Council’s Basin Fish/Wildlife Program
• Columbia-Snake Irrigators Want Investigation of Fish Management
• Salmon Returns Expected with Cle Elum Dam Passage
• Eastern Oregon Dam Being Removed to Help Salmon, Steelhead & Lamprey
• Op/Ed: NW River Partners – Bill Keeps Current Salmon Protection in Place
• Chinook Limit Increased Off Westport
• Sewage Seeps in Washington Town Desperate for State Funds
• Stevens PUD Kudos – EPA Waters Award Lauds Innovative & Effective Regional Drinking Water Improvements
• SolarWorld Foe: Free-Market Coalition Says It Will Fight Solar Trade Petition
• Is Residential Solar Down for the Count?
• Five Reasons Why Drones Are Going to Work for Solar Asset Managers
• New Measure Sets Restrictions on Cannabis Store Advertisements
• Trump Administration Lining Up Climate Change ‘Red Team’
• Editorial: California Shows How States Can Lead on Climate Change
• Stop Enjoying Summer, Climate Activists Advise
• Oregon: More Electric Car Charging Stations Could Come to Roseburg
• Is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity a Real Illness?
• Chattanooga Has Its Own Broadband—Why Doesn’t Every City?
• All the Sensors in Your Smartphone, & How They Work
• The Internet’s Reactions to Michael Phelps’ Shark Race Were the Real Winners
• Washington State Legislature Fails to Pass Capital Budget
• Everyone Makes Mistakes. This One Almost Cost Elma $200,000
• Congressional Democrats, Including Senator Cantwell, Want Probe of Interior Scientists’ Reassignments
• Diver Dies in Hood Canal near Sund Rock
• Put Down That Cellphone; Distracted-Driving Law Is Here
• UPDATE: City of Shelton Police Conduct Separate ‘Personnel’ Probe into Alleged Assault of Homeless Man
• CEO: Mental Health Triage Center in Shelton a Year Away from Service
• Lewis County: Audi Veers Off Highway 12, into Mayfield Lake
• Why You Need to be Prepared: These Are the Three Big Earthquake Threats
• Oregon Forestry Asks Landowners for Help Avoiding Eclipse Wildfires

WORD OF THE DAY

Leitmotif ● \LYT-moh-teef\ ● noun: 1. In music drama, a marked melodic phrase or short passage which always accompanies the reappearance of a certain person, situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the play; a sort of musical label. 2. A dominant and recurring theme.

In Star Wars, Darth Vader’s leitmotif is one of the most recognizable musical themes in the movie series.

(Peter & the Wolf is another great example, where each character is represented by a specific instrument in the orchestra, as well as an associated melodic theme)

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Avista Sale Latest in Trend of Canadian Utility Acquisitions (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/21/avista-sale-latest-in-trend-of-canadian-utility-ac/

Sale of Avista Would Require ‘Net Benefits’ to Ratepayers, Washington State Regulators Say (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/21/sale-of-avista-would-require-net-benefits-to-ratep/#/0

Montana Lawmakers Shocked That Attorney General Didn’t Testify in Colstrip Shutdown (Billings Gazette, MT)

http://billingsgazette.com/business/montana-lawmakers-shocked-that-attorney-general-didn-t-testify-in/article_7ab98ecf-2715-506c-a5c1-ed6d96bb2c74.html

BC Hydro Shuffles Leadership as Provincial Government Prepares Review of Peace River Dam (Globe & Mail, Canada)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/head-of-bc-hydro-replaced-as-ndp-government-prepares-review-of-site-c/article35773380/?cmpid=rss1

Dworshak’s Largest Turbine out another Year; Poses Challenges for Salmon Management (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/439312.aspx

Snohomish PUD Works to Replace Older Power Poles, Underground Lines (Everett Herald, WA)

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/pud-works-to-replace-older-power-poles-underground-lines/

Climbing Cat on Power Pole Causes Fire near Soap Lake (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/article/20170721/ARTICLE/170729974

Warren Buffet Is Building Up a ‘Recession Resistant’ Energy Powerhouse (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-warren-buffett-energy-20170724-story.html

Federal Power Study – ‘No Political Interference,’ DOE Author Says (E&E Publishing)

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060057707

Yucca Mountain: High Stakes & High Hurdles (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/yucca-mountain-high-stakes-and-high-hurdles/447573/

Canadian Tribe Opposes Proposed NE U-S Power Line Project (Associated Press)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/article/20170720/AP/307209767

Hate Losing Power During Storms? We Could Fix That (Forbes Magazine – Really? “…it’s not significantly more expensive to bury the power lines running down your street than it is to rebuild & maintain them above ground…”!!!)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianpotts/2017/07/23/hate-losing-power-during-storms-we-could-fix-that/#70d55f2d1987

FISH & WILDLIFE

Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to NW Power/Conservation Council’s Basin Fish/Wildlife Program (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/439307.aspx

Columbia-Snake Irrigators Want Investigation of Fish Management (Capital Press)

http://www.capitalpress.com/Water/20170718/irrigators-want-investigation-of-fish-management

Salmon Returns Expected with Cle Elum Dam Passage (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/tech/science/environment/salmon-returns-expected-with-cle-elum-dam-passage/458683638

Eastern Oregon Dam Being Removed to Help Salmon, Steelhead & Lamprey (Associated Press)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/35792951-75/eastern-oregon-dam-being-removed-to-help-salmon-steelhead-and-lamprey.html.csp

Op/Ed: NW River Partners – Bill Keeps Current Salmon Protection in Place (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/35781632-78/bill-keeps-current-salmon-protection-in-place.html.csp

Chinook Limit Increased Off Westport (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://www.kxro.com/chinook-limit-increased-off-westport/

WATER, THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE

Sewage Seeps in Washington Town Desperate for State Funds (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/sewage-seeps-washington-town-desperate-state-funds

Stevens PUD Kudos – EPA Waters Award Lauds Innovative & Effective Regional Drinking Water Improvements (WaterWorld)

http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2017/07/epa-waters-award-lauds-innovative-and-effective-regional-drinking-water-improvements.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

SolarWorld Foe: Free-Market Coalition Says It Will Fight Solar Trade Petition (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/07/21/solarworld-foe-free-market-coalition-says-it-will.html

Is Residential Solar Down for the Count? (The Energy Collective)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/sol-systems/2409207/residential-solar-count

Five Reasons Why Drones Are Going to Work for Solar Asset Managers (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/07/5-reasons-why-drones-are-going-to-work-for-solar-asset-managers.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

New Measure Sets Restrictions on Cannabis Store Advertisements (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2017/07/23/new-bill-sets-restricts-cannabis-store-advertisements/501468001/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Trump Administration Lining Up Climate Change ‘Red Team’ (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-administration-lining-up-climate-change-red-team/article/2629124

Editorial: California Shows How States Can Lead on Climate Change (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/24/opinion/california-climate-change-cap-trade.html

Stop Enjoying Summer, Climate Activists Advise (National Review)

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/449770/climate-change-activists-advise-stop-driving-flying-grilling-burgers-having-children

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – DRIVING ON SUNSHINE

Oregon: More Electric Car Charging Stations Could Come to Roseburg (Roseburg News-Review, OR)

http://www.nrtoday.com/news/environment/more-electric-car-charging-stations-could-come-to-roseburg/article_4ba7c5e2-5048-51dc-9075-41cdc8ff32ab.html

Is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity a Real Illness? (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/is-electromagnetic-hypersensitivity-a-real-illness-1797058292

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Chattanooga Has Its Own Broadband—Why Doesn’t Every City? (The Daily Beast)

http://www.thedailybeast.com/chattanooga-has-its-own-broadbandwhy-doesnt-every-city

All the Sensors in Your Smartphone, & How They Work (Gizmodo)

http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/all-the-sensors-in-your-smartphone-and-how-they-work-1797121002

MARKETING & MEDIA

The Internet’s Reactions to Michael Phelps’ Shark Race Were the Real Winners (TIME Magazine)

http://time.com/4870783/michael-phelps-shark-racing-reactions/

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Washington State Legislature Fails to Pass Capital Budget (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://www.thedailyworld.com/news/state-legislature-fails-to-pass-capital-budget/

Everyone Makes Mistakes. This One Almost Cost Elma $200,000 (Olympian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article162986728.html?#emlnl=Morning_Newsletter

Congressional Democrats, Including Senator Cantwell, Want Probe of Interior Scientists’ Reassignments (Roll Call, Washington, DC)

http://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/cantwell-to-ask-interior-oig-to-probe-scientists-reassignments

GENERAL NEWS

Diver Dies in Hood Canal near Sund Rock (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/26610

Put Down That Cellphone; Distracted-Driving Law Is Here (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/here-comes-washingtons-new-ban-on-driving-under-the-influence-of-electronics/

UPDATE: City of Shelton Police Conduct Separate ‘Personnel’ Probe into Alleged Assault of Homeless Man (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/update-city-of-shelton-police-conduct-separate-personnel-probe-into/article_ecc7eff0-6e4a-11e7-be0f-6f20474efcba.html

CEO: Mental Health Triage Center in Shelton a Year Away from Service (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/ceo-mental-health-triage-center-in-shelton-a-year-away/article_63f9624e-6ca6-11e7-b16d-83836c421408.html

Lewis County: Audi Veers Off Highway 12, into Mayfield Lake (Associated Press)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/audi-veers-off-highway-and-into-mayfield-lake/article_9ace763c-73a8-5ce0-892f-0232e530b3da.html

Why You Need to be Prepared: These Are the Three Big Earthquake Threats (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/disaster/why-you-need-to-be-prepared-these-are-the-3-big-earthquake-threats/457421137

Oregon Forestry Asks Landowners for Help Avoiding Eclipse Wildfires (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/series/solar-eclipse-2017/oregon-wildfire-danger-letter-residents-help/

WEED AMONG THE WEEDS – DIVERSIONS

Marijuana Business Offers Weed for Weeds on Cleanup Day

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/marijuana-business-offers-weed-for-weeds-on-cleanup-day/article_a2122726-cedb-5f12-88fe-4ab12807bad1.html

That Stinks! Man Seeking Dropped Phone Falls in Trash Chute

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/that-stinks-man-seeking-dropped-phone-falls-in-trash-chute/article_39e892e5-9ed8-5561-a7d7-ae301cef4edc.html

Cornhole – It’s Coming to a Bar near You

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article163199698.html

Jimmy Page Shows Two Modern Rock Stars How to Play ‘Kashmir’ the Proper Way

http://iloveclassicrock.com/jimmy-page-shows-2-modern-rockstars-play-kashmir-proper-way/?a=GD&var=ILCR-KashmirPage

SONG OF THE DAY

The Rascals - It’s A Beautiful Morning

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

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Energy News Digest for July 18, 2017

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SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 18, 2017

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Billions of Dollars at Stake as Washington Lawmakers Push for Last-Minute Deal on Construction, Water (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-lawmakers-face-deadline-in-stalemate-over-rural-water-use/

Bloomberg: August Eclipse Could Hurt 9,000 MW of Solar Output (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/bloomberg-august-eclipse-could-hurt-9000-mw-of-solar-output/447276/

Chelan PUD Fiber Group Seeks Customer Input (NCW Life Channel, East Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.ncwlife.com/chelan-pud-fiber-group-seeks-customer-input/

Small Reactors Could Kick-Start the Stalled Nuclear Sector (MIT Technology Review)

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608271/small-reactors-could-kick-start-the-stalled-nuclear-sector/

Two Shelton Commissioners Refuse to Set Vote on Expanding To 7-Member ‘City Council’ Government (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/shelton-commissioners-refuse-to-set-vote-on-expanding-to-/article_ffb17c26-6bca-11e7-96c2-1b6ded9298d9.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Small Reactors Could Kick-Start the Stalled Nuclear Sector
• Judge Turns Aside Challenges to Illinois Move to Support Nuclear Plants
• Editorial: Put Yucca Mountain to Work. The Nation Needs It
• Federal Judge Tosses Suit by Raging Grannies Seeking to Ban Coal & Oil Trains through Spokane
• Leaked Text Disappears from Fed Grid Study
• Keeping Public Power Protected from Cyber Attacks
• Utility Programs Can Help Low-Income Customers Keep the Lights On – Some Do Better Than Others
• The Long Battle to Protect West Coast Salmon from Pesticides
• Learn About Salmon & Teach Others: Be a Salmon Steward
• EPA to Retain Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution
• Waters of the U-S: Battle Over the Clean Water Rule: What's at Stake?
• Bloomberg: August Eclipse Could Hurt 9,000 MW of Solar Output
• How a Small Solar Light Is Saving Refugees’ Lives
• A Two-Step Approach to Get Commercial Customers to Act on Energy Efficiency
• Will You End up Paying More for Gas under California’s Cap-And-Trade Extension?
• Editorial: A Brighter Future for Electric Cars and the Planet
• Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team Won Visas. Now for the Real Contest.
• Chelan PUD Fiber Group Seeks Customer Input
• Comcast to Launch 'Internet of Things' Network in Baltimore, Seattle, Ten Other Cities
• Google Fiber Loses Yet another CEO
• Facebook Has Plans to Expand New Mexico Data Center
• Federal Trade Commission Staffers Back FCC on Net Neutrality Rollback
• Billions of Dollars at Stake as Washington Lawmakers Push for Last-Minute Deal on Construction, Water
• Education Funding Plan Will Shift Tax Burden in Washington State
• Change to Oregon Initiative System Could Mean More Ballot Measures
• Two Shelton Commissioners Refuse to Set Vote on Expanding To 7-Member ‘City Council’ Government
• Mason County Human Resources Creates Three New Paid Positions during Budget Cuts, Layoffs
• Shelton School District Schedules Construction Project Forum
• What’s More Dangerous than a Drunk Driver? You, on Your Phone, Says Washington State Governor 
• As Paperwork Goes Missing, Private Student Loan Debts May Be Wiped Away

WORD OF THE DAY

Inspissate • \inn-SPISS-ayt\ • Verb - To make or become thick or thicker

“You gotta use more grounds in the first pot of coffee,” growled the grizzled Chief Petty Officer to his new recruit. “Navy regulations for coffee states that it must “inspissate to such a state as to hold a spoon upright for one minute.” If you can’t eat it, it’s not worth drinking!”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Small Reactors Could Kick-Start the Stalled Nuclear Sector (MIT Technology Review)

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608271/small-reactors-could-kick-start-the-stalled-nuclear-sector/

Judge Turns Aside Challenges to Illinois Move to Support Nuclear Plants (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=48540

Editorial: Put Yucca Mountain to Work. The Nation Needs It (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/put-yucca-mountain-to-work/2017/07/15/3f9b8aea-5855-11e7-b38e-35fd8e0c288f_story.html

Federal Judge Tosses Suit by Raging Grannies Seeking to Ban Coal & Oil Trains through Spokane (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/17/federal-judge-tosses-suit-by-raging-grannies-seeki/

Leaked Text Disappears from Fed Grid Study (GreenWire)

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060057486

Keeping Public Power Protected from Cyber Attacks (American Public Power Association)

http://blog.publicpower.org/?p=677

Utility Programs Can Help Low-Income Customers Keep the Lights On – Some Do Better Than Others (The Energy Collective)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/aceee/2408879/utility-programs-can-help-low-income-customers-keep-lights-better-others

FISH & WILDLIFE

The Long Battle to Protect West Coast Salmon from Pesticides (Sightline)

http://www.sightline.org/2017/07/18/the-long-battle-to-protect-west-coast-salmon-from-pesticides/

Learn About Salmon & Teach Others: Be a Salmon Steward (Thurston Talks)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2017/07/18/learn-salmon-teach-others-salmon-steward/

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOT LOCKER

EPA to Retain Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/342332-epa-wants-to-maintain-current-nitrogen-dioxide-pollution-rule

WATER, THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE

Waters of the U-S: Battle Over the Clean Water Rule: What's at Stake? (Christian Science Monitor)

https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0718/Battle-over-the-Clean-Water-Rule-What-s-at-stake

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

Bloomberg: August Eclipse Could Hurt 9,000 MW of Solar Output (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/bloomberg-august-eclipse-could-hurt-9000-mw-of-solar-output/447276/

How a Small Solar Light Is Saving Refugees’ Lives (Fast Company)

https://www.fastcompany.com/40439433/how-a-small-solar-light-is-saving-refugees-lives

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

A Two-Step Approach to Get Commercial Customers to Act on Energy Efficiency (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/a-two-step-approach-to-get-commercial-customers-to-act-on-energy-efficiency/446708/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Will You End up Paying More for Gas under California’s Cap-And-Trade Extension? (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article161904813.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – DRIVING ON SUNSHINE

Editorial: A Brighter Future for Electric Cars and the Planet (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/opinion/a-brighter-future-for-electric-cars-and-the-planet.html

Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team Won Visas. Now for the Real Contest. (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/world/asia/afghanistan-girls-robotics-visas-trump.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Chelan PUD Fiber Group Seeks Customer Input (NCW Life Channel, East Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.ncwlife.com/chelan-pud-fiber-group-seeks-customer-input/

Comcast to Launch 'Internet of Things' Network in Baltimore, Seattle, Ten Other Cities (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)

https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/07/18/comcast-to-launch-internet-of-things-network-in.html

Google Fiber Loses Yet another CEO (Silicon Valley Business Journal, CA)

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2017/07/18/google-fiber-loses-ceo-gregory-mccray-goog.html

Facebook Has Plans to Expand New Mexico Data Center (Associated Press)

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/facebook-plans-expand-mexico-data-center-48698097

Federal Trade Commission Staffers Back FCC on Net Neutrality Rollback (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/federal-trade-commission-staffers-back-fcc-net-neutrality-rollback/

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Billions of Dollars at Stake as Washington Lawmakers Push for Last-Minute Deal on Construction, Water (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-lawmakers-face-deadline-in-stalemate-over-rural-water-use/

Education Funding Plan Will Shift Tax Burden in Washington State (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/education/education-funding-plan-will-shift-tax-burden-in-washington-state/article_5d0a78d4-69ee-11e7-9644-7f3331e6f75e.html

Change to Oregon Initiative System Could Mean More Ballot Measures (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/change-oregon-initiative-system-could-mean-more-ballot-measures

GENERAL NEWS

Two Shelton Commissioners Refuse to Set Vote on Expanding To 7-Member ‘City Council’ Government (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/shelton-commissioners-refuse-to-set-vote-on-expanding-to-/article_ffb17c26-6bca-11e7-96c2-1b6ded9298d9.html

Mason County Human Resources Creates Three New Paid Positions during Budget Cuts, Layoffs (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/mason-county-human-resources-creates-new-paid-positions-during-budget/article_0582b23e-6b38-11e7-8aef-cb29f019b4d1.html

Shelton School District Schedules Construction Project Forum (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local_news/shelton-school-district-schedules-construction-project-forum/article_0d033bf2-6b13-11e7-9543-8fe465e07d92.html

What’s More Dangerous than a Drunk Driver? You, on Your Phone, Says Washington State Governor (Olympian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article161874198.html

As Paperwork Goes Missing, Private Student Loan Debts May Be Wiped Away (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/business/dealbook/student-loan-debt-collection.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Dog Pulls Baby Deer from Water to Save It from Drowning

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/dog-pulls-baby-deer-from-water-to-save-it-from/article_75e8de43-95ef-5f03-aca3-7d13e626a054.html

The Incredibles 2 Will Focus on Your Favorite Character, but Can You Guess Who?

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Incredibles-2-Movie-Details-43745266

Hit by Lightning: Tales from The Survivors

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/us/hit-by-lightning-tales-from-survivors.html

California: Girl at Lemonade Stand Threatened by a Man Who Said He’d Call Police over Lack of Business License

http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Man-threatens-to-call-police-on-girl-lemonade-stan-11294233.php

SONG OF THE DAY

Michael Giacchino – The Incredibles (Soundtrack)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ycm8irlP40

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org.

GET SOCIAL WITH THE NEWS DIGEST

The Energy News Digest is on Facebook.

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in the news digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. There may be paywall barriers, unless you are willing to fork over some dough or if you have a clean browser history.