Bonneville Power Administration

Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing For Ernest Moniz For Energy Secretary

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz suggested a “new workable long-term goal” to manage nuclear waste at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Environment and the Economy Subcommittee on the grounds that disputes over Yucca Mountain – site of a proposed nuclear waste repository – are likely to persist for some time. “Moniz pushed back on the… Keep reading →

The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy gives out Champion of Energy Efficiency awards annually for “leadership and accomplishment in the energy field”. This year’s winners have made big strides in energy efficiency advocacy, policy and actual implementation of energy efficiency programs. Let’s face it…it’s not quite as sexy as the Oscars. But energy efficiency is… Keep reading →


The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), stung by a federal regulatory ruling regarding its treatment of Northwest wind power producers, is proposing new measures-including splitting the cost for lost revenue-to mollify the wind producers when an overabundance of hydroelectric power leads BPA to curtail the wind turbines in the region.

BPA sells power from dozens of federal hydro projects in the Northwest, and it controls most of the transmission lines in the region. Federal regulators in December said BPA acted unfairly in shutting off wind power in spring 2011 when a big snowmelt gave it more electricity than it said it needed. BPA’s action was opposed by wind generators, led by Portland, Oregon-based Iberdrola Renewables, many of whom lost federal production tax credits and state renewable energy certificates when their turbines were shut down and who worried that BPA’s policy could set a precedent that would stifle future support for the industry in the region. Keep reading →


Get used to the tail wagging the dog.

Until a few years ago, renewable energy resources were like a small tail on a big dog–utility owned and operated fossil-fueled generation. With their increased penetration in many parts of the world, the tail has grown big relative to the dog. In a few cases, the tail is now wagging the dog, rather than the other way around. The trend can only grow over time with important implications for both the dog and the tail. It is already happening in certain places and during certain times. With passage of time, it will become more commonplace, and troublesome. Keep reading →