Fwd: Future of Gas Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30pm
Kirk Rensmeyer
From: Oregon CUB <outr...@oregoncub.org>
Date: Fri, Jul 1, 2022 at 6:20 AM
Subject: Future of Gas Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30pm
To: Kirk Rensmeyer <kren...@gmail.com>
Dear Kirk,
Thank you for signing up to receive more information about the public hearing on the future of natural gas in Oregon! Below you will find details on how to submit your comments in advance, what to expect on July 12, and sample talking points you can use for your comments.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30pm.
How to Comment on the Future of Natural Gas in Oregon
Public Hearing
Join us Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 5:30pm
Zoom: https://opuc-state-or-us.zoom.us/j/86823090172?pwd=NEh2MXBSTDdyeWIxMGVzUnZtSnoyZz09
Phone Number: 971-247-1195
Meeting ID: 868 2309 0172
Passcode: 7421543089
Submit Comment via Email
Can't make it to the hearing? No problem! Use this form to submit your comments to utility regulators via email.
Submit Comments Over the Phone
Comments may also be provided in advance of the meeting by calling 503-3786600 or 800-522-2404 or TTY 800-648-3458 weekdays from 8am - 5pm. Make sure to reference "docket number UM 2178" when you call!
What to Expect at the Public Hearing
This public hearing is hosted by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) as a time for customers and members of the public to weigh in on the future of natural gas in Oregon. The event will begin with brief presentations from PUC regulators to explain the process. Anyone who is interested in making comments will be allowed to speak after these presentations. The comment period will be open until at least 6:30pm, though that time will be extended if more time is needed for everyone interested in commenting. This hearing will be recorded and transcribed.
Sample Talking Points for Your Comments
While you are welcome to comment on anything you'd like, here are a few sample talking points to help you craft your comments for the public meeting:
Regulators need to prioritize community needs, not corporate interests.
For the past year, community groups, advocates, and utilities have worked with regulators to look at the future of natural gas in Oregon. In the recent draft report, regulators only included feedback from utilities. Community needs must be represented, not just industry talking points. We are asking regulators to include and consider community feedback.
Community groups are asking regulators to:
- End subsidies for natural gas utilities
- Expand programs for weatherization, energy efficiency, and affordability
- Stop investments in risky, expensive new technologies
Customers shouldn’t pay millions in subsidies to benefit gas companies.
Gas utilities want to keep expanding their systems to grow their profits. Existing customers pay for adding new gas customers, usually between $2,400-2,875 per building. Oregonians shouldn’t be on the hook for millions of dollars in subsidies each year to the already wealthy oil and gas industry.
Growing the gas system is a risk for existing customers.
With the state’s new climate programs, gas companies need to reduce emissions, not add more. Natural gas is methane, a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change and is subject to climate regulation. As new customers are added and emissions reduction costs climb, so will bills.
Customers need gas utilities to realistically prepare for climate regulation.
Utility plans include everything from energy efficiency to alternative fuels. While this sounds good, their projections hinge on undertested and often unavailable technologies. High-efficiency gas heat pumps are not commonly on the market for purchase. Alternative (“renewable”) natural gas is not widely available and can be six times the cost of traditional natural gas.
Gas utilities should not keep expanding their systems when they don’t have realistic plans to meet Oregon emissions requirements. We need regulators to address the threat of rising bills and the utilities’ failure to meet climate regulations. We need regulators to protect customers, not the oil and gas industry.
Oregon Citizens' Utility Board | (503) 227-1984 | oregoncub.org
610 SW Broadway, Suite 400 | Portland, OR 97205
Oregon Citizens' Utility Board
(503) 227-1984
oregoncub.org
610 SW Broadway, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97205
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Annette Mills
Thank you so much, Kirk. This is really valuable information!
Annette
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Energy Action Team | Corvallis Sustainability Coalition
VISION: Corvallis has achieved energy security and net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
https://sustainablecorvallis.org/action-teams/energy/
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