CUB news, most recent articles

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Big Dam Fight Willamette Week 12/03/08—"When the Legislature meets next month, its to-watch list will include a fight pitting the world's richest man against several of the state's biggest companies in a dispute affecting 550,000 Oregonians and uncounted numbers of salmon. Multibillionaire investor Warren Buffett, who owns PacifiCorp, will send a team to the Capitol to ratify a tentative deal his utility struck last month with the feds and the states of Oregon and California to demolish four dams the utility owns on the Klamath River in 2020. Standing in the way of the Legislature approving the proposed deal are some of Oregon's biggest employers, represented by the group Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities... ICNU attorney Melinda Davison, however, says Oregon ratepayers will bear a disproportionate share of the cost... Bob Jenks, director of the Citizens Utility Board of Oregon, which represents individual ratepayers, agrees with ICNU's Davison. 'There's a mismatch of costs and benefits,' Jenks says. 'The benefits of the dams flow to other states in their system, such as Washington, that aren't paying a dime.' "

Tentative deal will clear Klamath River for salmon Oregonian 11/12/08—"PacifiCorp faced the choice of installing $300 million worth of fish ladders and other improvements at four dams -- J.C. Boyle (above), Iron Gate, Copco No. 1 and Copco No. 2 -- or removing them altogether. State and federal officials and utilities struck a deal to remove the dams....'If the company cut a bad deal, presumably the (Oregon Public Utility Commission) staff would rule that shareholders would have to eat some of those costs, not customers,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon."

Attitude Adjustment: How the Internet could usher in a new golden age of consumer journalism by David Cay Johnston in the Columbia Journalism Review Sept/Oct 2008—"Like the air that sustains life, facts that would help hard-pressed consumers are all around us. Instead of gathering and delivering such facts, however, we often leave subscribers gasping for useful information. And so their numbers dwindle... Yet, as Trudy Lieberman details above, the press has moved away from such coverage. It's a missed opportunity, especially in the digital age, when evolving technology and the rise of social media potentially magnify the power of the consumer and also magnify the potential of consumer journalism... Bob Jenks, executive director of Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group in Oregon, said that coverage of utilities exposes a bias in news coverage that favors corporate interests. But when readers tell newspapers they want news that helps them keep their heads above the rising water, smart publishers and journalists listen."

PGE rate increase doesn't add up, groups say Oregonian 07/12/08 —"When a utility asks state regulators to approve higher rates, count on ratepayer advocates to put up a fight. That's their job. Yes this summer, as Portland General Electric asks state regulators to approve up to a 15 percent rate increase effective Jan. 1, the usual back and forth has taken on a new, more cutting edge... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, said the request 'paints a picture of a utility without a rigorous cost review process, without any internal culture of cost control, and without prudent judgment as to what costs are, and are not, appropriate to ask customers to bear.'"

Oregon utility rates expected to climb in the next few years Oregonian 07/01/08—"If gas prices have you down, you'd better brace for rising utility bills the next few years. Regional utilities face rapidly escalating fuel prices and, in some cases, project wide gaps between their power supply and customer demand. As they purchase expensive wholesale electricity to meet that demand, pay inflated costs to build power plants and invest heavily to meet renewable energy and global warming mandates, consumers can expect an extended series of rate increases, experts say... 'It's like watching an accident in slow motion,' said Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. 'All of these different market dynamics are coming together.'"

Climate plan phases approach Oregonian 03/12/08—"The first pass at a greenhouse gas reduction plan for Oregon and the rest of the western United States and Canada doesn't include autos, agriculture, forestry or natural gas use, leaving out more than half the emissions generated in the West. The Western Climate Initiative -- a group of governors from Oregon and six Western states and the premiers of British Columbia and Manitoba -- wants to reduce greenhouse gases by 15 percent below 2005 levels over the next 12 years... 'Ultimately, if we're going to regulate our way of out of climate change, we've got to include all sectors,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon."

PGE seeks 8.9% rate increase Oregonian 02/27/08— "The benchmark price of oil isn't the only thing levitating above $100. Portland General Electric Co. will file a request today with state utility regulators seeking an 8.9 percent increase in electricity rates starting in January 2009. If the request is approved with no changes, it could push the average monthly bill for a residential customer of the state's largest electric utility above $100 for the first time... 'We're more than stunned with the fact that they're filing a rate case,' said Lowrey Brown, an analyst with the Citizen's [sic] Utility Board. 'This is a company that just isn't controlling its costs. Especially at a time when it's planning a bunch of future investments, it really needs to think about what its customers can afford.'"

Standing up for Oregon's ratepayers Oregonian Editorial 12/23/07 —"When the Bonneville Power Administration slapped Oregon's residential electricity users with a 13 percent rate increase earlier this year, most of us could only hope that the tried-and-true processes of negotiation and compromise could get things back to something like normal... So it was dismaying last week to see the BPA announce that it would temporarily restore only part of the residential-exchange benefit and that its level would likely be frozen for the foreseeable future. Freezing the benefit means its relative value will decline over time. But Gov. Ted Kulongoski and the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board have rejected any notion of cutting and freezing the benefit to Oregon residents, 75 percent of whom are served by privately owned utilities. Neither the governor nor the CUB has a real role in rate-setting, but they can, and should, pursue the political principle here: The cheaper-power benefit should belong to residential and small-farm customers, regardless of which utility serves them."

PacifiCorp labels coal a no-go for new plants Oregonian 12/07/07—"PacifiCorp has backed away from plans to build any new coal plants within the next 10 years, conceding that coal no longer can overcome tightening regulations and environmental opposition. In recent filings and communications with regulators in Utah and Oregon, the Portland-based company said three coal plants included earlier this year in long-range resource plans and subsequent requests for proposals were 'no longer viable options.'... Ratepayer advocates and environmentalists called the utility's decision a victory. 'We're encouraged that they seem to be moving away from coal,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'It's a good sign I also think it's a sign of the reality that they're not going to get approval for it.'"

Weighing the value of renewable energy Oregonian Commentary by Jason Eisdorfer of CUB and Rachel Shimshak of Renewable Northwest Project 11/23/07—"... Renewable resources are in high demand because prudent utilities and customers see that a fossil fuel-dependent utility will have much higher rates when we have to pay for both the fuel going into the plant and the carbon dioxide coming out of it... There is hope for an easing of the supply and demand issue. Today's demand is bringing new manufacturers to the market... Oregon is blessed with a generous endowment of clean energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and wave energy that will contribute positively to a 21st century economy and help us meet our power needs -- for this generation and the next."

Neither side happy with BPA deal Oregonian 11/10/07— "If the mark of a good compromise is that it leaves no party satisfied, then negotiators for public and private utilities in the region may have just hit a home run. After meeting behind closed doors since June, trade groups and executives representing public and investor owned utiltiies have agreed on recommendations for how Bonneville Power Administration should divvy up the economic benefits of the cheap federal hydropower it will sell for the next 20 years. The deal would allow BPA to resume monthly cash payments to private utilities athat lower their customers' rates. It also would freeze those payments for 20 years at a level lower than previous payments, allowing the agency to lower rates for public utiltiies... 'This is a terrible deal for the state of Oregon,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. CUB advocates for customers served by private utilities such as Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, who comprise three-quarters of Oregon ratepayers. 'It guarantees that Oregon's share of the BPA system declines just as the economic value of it goes through the roof.'"

PacifiCorp hopes to deliver a jolt Oregonian 10/15/07—"PacifiCorp hopes the prospect of a surprise jump in its electric rates will goad Oregon lawmakers to rewrite a utility tax law that the company has long fought and ratepayer groups have steadfastly championed. Today is tax filing day at the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and PacifiCorp says ratepayers are in for a jolt. The Portland-based electric utility -- the second-biggest provider in Oregon -- says it will need to raise rates by 2.5 percent next year to recover more than $22 million in taxes that it paid but didn't collect from its ratepayers in 2006... Ratepayer advocates contend the law is working just fine and any PacifiCorp surcharge -- if justified -- would result from a change in its ownership last year, not a fundamental flaw in the legislation. Oregon market leader Portland General Electric, they point out, is forecasting a refund of $42 million to customers next year because of the law. 'Just because there's a surcharge for PacifiCorp customers doesn't mean it's not working,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'This law was designed to match up taxes collected and taxes paid, not to give customers guaranteed rate reductions.'"

State nears deal with PGE investor Oregonian 09/12/07—"Oregon regulators say they're close to settling a dispute with a hedge fund that owns 7.4 percent of Portland General Electric Co. but has refused to comply with a state law requiring the partnership to seek regulatory approval of the investment. Meanwhile, three more institutional investors have acquired stakes in Oregon's largest utility exceeding the 5 percent threshold that triggers a possible Oreogn Public Utility Commission review. Collectively, those four investors own about 30 percent of PGE stock... Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer with the ratepayer advocacy group Citizen's Utility Board, said one solution may be to require a filing but truncate any investigation in exchange for some commitment to the status of the investment and ongoing reporting to the PUC. 'I'm with the camp that says they need to file,' Eisdorfer said. 'If you can hold a meeting in a broom closet with individuals who control 25 percent of the company, there better be some form of regulatory oversight.'"

Kulongoski vetoes OMSI payoff, two other bills Oregonian 08/09/07—"Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Thursday vetoed three proposals approved by lawmakers this session. He struck language that would have taken $4.6 million out of an energy efficiency program to help the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry pay off a state loan. Kulongoski said giving the money to the museum would be an inappropriate use of the "public purpose" trust. Electricity and natural gas customers pay into the fund each month to help households and businesses buy efficient appliances and solar panels."

Governor may veto OMSI bailout Portland Tribune 07/31/07— "Gov. Ted Kulongoski is considering vetoing a late-session legislative decision that diverted $4.6 million from fees state utility customers paid into a special "public purpose" fund to help the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry pay off a construction debt to the state... Legislative leaders believed using money from the fund was appropriate because the museum had incorporated innovative energy technology in the construction of its bulding. But the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, along with 12 other government and environmental goups, lobbied the governor to veto the bill. The groups were outraged by what they considered the Legislature's tampering with fees paid for a specific purpose by public utility customers. 'It's not tax money,' said Jeff Bissonnette, organizing director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'It's not public money. It's ratepayer money.'"

Kulongoski Threatens Veto of OMSI Bail-Out Bill Oregon Public Broadcasting 07/31/07—"The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is facing a financial crisis... Lawmakers took $4.6 million out of a fund set aside for renewable energy and electric bill releif, and gave it to the museum. Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, says that was unfair. JE: 'Frankly, we believed it was a violation of the state constitution. We felt it was inappropriate to take money from a sub-set of Oregonians to pay for a state obligation.' Eisdorfer says the money had been set aside for things like solar panels, more efficient appliances and lower power rates -- not a museum. So he and others threatened a lawsuit, and now Governor Kulongoski looks likely to veto the bail-out... There is a great love of OMSI in Oregon. Indeed, Governor Kulongoski, Jason Eisdorfer, and some organizations are forming a coalition to raise the money."

OMSI bailout veto looks likely Oregonian 07/31/07—"Gov. Ted Kulongoski signaled Monday that he is close to vetoing a $4.6 million bailout of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry that was approved to lawmakers over the protests of environmentalists and ratepayer advocates. A governor's spokeswoman said Kulongoski is working behind the scenes with legislators and state and museum officials to find another way to help the Portland institution. A new deal would pave the way for his veto of the bailout proposal... Jason Eisdorfer, an Energy Trust board member, declined to comment on specifics of alternatives but said there's a broad group that definitely wants to keep the museum in good financial health. 'There's a number of different parties out there with some homework to try to get various pieces of the puzzle together,' he said."

PGE warns about 'perverse' tax effects Oregonian 07/31/07—"Portland General Electric has a message for its 800,000 customers: You are in danger of being hit with the dreaded "double whammy." Sounds awful, doesn't it? Well, as usual of late, it concerns a rate increase. This time, however, PGE would like you to write your legislators and urge them to overturn the new utility tax law that leads to what utility executives call "perverse" results ... Ratepayer advocates contend that "fixes" proposed by PGE and PacifiCorp would gut the law. The Legislature declined to revisit it last session. Regardless, the effect isn't huge this time around. Spread over PGE's 800,000 or so customers, the extra $10 million in taxes amounts to about $12.50 apiece. Ratepayer advocates say utility regulators can come up with a fairly simple solution to this year's tax problem. 'The first thing we ought to do is adjust their rates down, and if you do that properly, most of that overearning' and resulting tax consequence will disappear, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. CUB already has a request pending with regulators to re-examine PGE's costs."

Diverting PGE money wrong Oregonian LTE 06/30/07—"The Legislature's $4.6 million theft of energy-efficiency funds to pay off a loan between the state and OMSI will raise Portland General Electric customers' rates. Rep. Mary Nolan's defense of this ("$4.6 million to OMSI ignites protest," June 27) shows a lack of understanding of the purpose of cost-effective energy-efficiency investment. Such investment reduces utility rates and environmental risks. They are made when the cost of saving a kilowatt hour of electricity is cheaper than the cost of developing new resources to supply that kilowatt hour. Paying off a 15-year-old loan that the state of Oregon made to a private entity (OMSI), no matter what the purpose of the loan, doesn't reduce PGE's costs. Rather, by diverting customers' money earmarked to reduce PGE's costs, the OMSI tax will raise PGE rates. Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon believes the Oregon Constitution prohibits the Legislature from taxing PGE customers to pay for a state obligation. The governor still has the opportunity to veto this legislation." Bob Jenks, Executive Director, Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon Southwest Portland

One for the veto list: Gov. Ted Kulongoski should block the Legislature's grab of utility ratepayer funds to bail out OMSI Oregonian Editorial 06/28/07— "In his state budget proposal, Gov. Ted Kulongoski sought to rescue the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry from its financial crisis. The governor wanted to do it the honest, straightforward way -- with general funds. The Legislature had a different idea. It has now approved a scheme to divert to OMSI $4.6 million paid by Portland General Electric customers into a fund for energy conservation and new renewable energy projects. That's wrong, and quite likely unconstitutional. Twenty-four groups as disparate as the Citizens' Utility Board and Associated Oregon Industries have signed a letter to lawmakers claiming that the raid on the energy efficiency money "is the equivalent of consumer fraud."... The Legislature's scheme also takes only money paid by Portland General Electric customers to pay off OMSI's state loan. As Jason Eisendorfer [sic], attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board notes, nowhere in the state constitution does it suggest that it's OK to tax one group of people to pay off a state loan that benefits everyone in Oregon."

BPA moves ahead on contracts, formula to share low-cost power Oregonian 06/12/07— "The Bonneville Power Administration will go ahead negotiating 20-year power-supply contracts with public-utility customers, despite calls by Oregon congressmen to hold off until the BPA figures out how to resume sharing its low-cost hydropower with private utilities... Residential ratepayer advocates in Oregon weren't invited to [last Thursday's] meeting and say they're concerned that BPA is negotiating with the private utilities without adequate public input. "If you cut a deal with the utilities, and we don't like it, it won't be approved" by Oregon's regulators, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. The BPA said it eventually would open all of its proposed contracts to public scrutiny and comment. The Citizens' Utility Board also is concerned about proposed service to new public utilities. Historically, the BPA has been required to serve any public utility in the region that requested power. Under its new contract regime, however, new public utilities will only get a small slice of cheap BPA power. Jenks said the BPA could provide inadequate residential-exchange payments and customers wouldn't have the option of getting cheap hydropower through a public takeover of their utility, as the city of Portland attempted with Portland General Electric Co. three years ago. "What are the options left to us to seek a fair share of the federal power system?" he said. "Until you solve that, you can't divvy up the system for the next 20 years."

Oregon electricity bills just got bigger Oregonian 05/31/07—"In an unusual and unusually brief session Wednesday, the Oregon Public Utility Commission approved one of the largest electricity rate increases in decades, one that will boost average home and small-farm bills by 13 percent... A $10 rate increase might not prove critical for many Oregon households, but ratepayer advocates say they worry about its impact on customers who live paycheck to paycheck, especially as they contend with higher prices at gas pumps. 'That money is coming directly out of another expense,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizen's Utility Board of Oregon. 'It's a real impact, and it's coming soon.'"

Renewable energy bill passes The Register-Guard 05/24/07—"Eugene's public utility and the state's two investor-owned electric companies will generate a quarter of their power by 2025 from wind, the sun, waves and other renewable resources under a bill that cleared its last major hurdle Wednesday... The House vote reflected bipartisan support - 10 Republicans joined 30 Democrats in passing Senate Bill 838. Many of the critics said they liked much about the bill but were not satisfied that customers of the three utilities covered by the 25 percent mandate were sufficiently insulated by steep rate increases as costly energy sources are brought online in place of cheaper, conventional generation plants, such as those fired by coal and natural gas... Jeff Bissonnette, lobbyist for the Citizens' Utiilty Board of Oregon, said a cost-cap would keep both costs and rates down. Lance Robertson, a spokesman for EWEB, said he did not expect its 85,000 residential and commercial customers to pay higher rates because of the state's new renewable energy standards. "

BPA legal shift unfair to Oreogn, critics say Oregonian 05/22/07— "Ratepayer advocates, industry regulators and electric utilities in oregon rose in collective outrage Monday over a decision by the Bonneville Power Administration that would increase monthly bills for most residents by 13 percent beginning next month. The increase applies to investor-owned utilities such as Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp, which supply power to about 75 percent of Oregonians. It won't hurt customers of public utilities, which supply most of the power in Washington. 'This has a huge impact on the region,' said Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a ratepayer advocacy group. 'It's a significant redistribution of wealth from Oregon to Washington state.'"

Bill promotes solar energy in buildings Statesman Journal 05/08/07— "The Oregon House voted Monday to take a step toward making public buildings more energy efficient... House Bill 2620 requires that 1.5 percent of the total contract price for the construction, reconstruction or major renovation of a public building be allocated for the inclusion of solar energy design and technology... The bill passed 41-17 and moves to the Senate."

A big push for clean energy Oregonian Editorial 05/06/07—"Oregon has the sun, the wind and the waves. But does it have the will to lead the way on these and many other sources of clean renewable energy? That question is now squarely before the Legislature. A bill backed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski to establish a renewable energy standard -- a powerful incentive in law to expand solar, wind, wave, new hydro and other clean-energy sources -- is pending before a closely divided House of Representatives. Senate Bill 838 would require that 25 percent of Oregon's electric load come from new renewable energy sources by 2025. It is a big, ambitious and complex bill -- the most important environmental and economic proposal now before lawmakers. We strongly believe it should be approved... However, the proposal includes a 4 percent cost cap, meaning utilities would not have to comply with the standard if rate increases would exceed that level. It also includes a fair system for utilities to recover the costs of investing in clean energy, a plan supported by some consumer groups, including the Citizens' Utility Board... There may be ways to further resolve concerns about SB 838 without compromising its core elements. But in the end, this Legislature must adopt a strong renewable standard."

Ruling could raise power rates Oregonian 05/04/07— "A federal appeals court on Thursday dropped a bombshell on the Bonneville Power Administration that may end up increasing electricity rates for residential customers of privately owned utilties such as Portland General Electric Co. and PacifiCorp. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Bonneville Power Administration overstepped its authority in 2000 when it set an annual subsidy to reduce the electricity rates for residential and small farm customers of the privately owned utilities. The Northwest Power Act of 1980 requires Bonneville to share the benefits of its historically cheap hydropower with those customers. But it is required to make the 'residential exchange' payments without raising rates paid by publicly owned utilities... The BPA has been negotiating for several years with warring factions over how to divvy up for the next 20 years the massive economic benefits that flow from its 31 dams and one nuclear plant. The agency was scheduled to release an order outlining that process this spring. But the order includes a specific level of residential exchange benefits, which might run afoul of Thursday's ruling. 'Clearly, it would be lunacy to think they can go forward with this proposal given this level of uncertainty,' said Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer with the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. Three quarters of Oregonians are served by investor-owned utilities."

PGE takes on utility tax law Oregonian 05/02/07 — "Ratepayer advocates are voicing concerns about what they see as an attempt by Portland General Electric Co. to turn back the clock to tax accounting machinations employed by Enron and subsequently outlawed by Oregon legislators. Filings PGE and customer groups made to utility regulators in the past week could, in fact, presage a legal challenge to a controversial tax law commonly referred to as Senate Bill 408... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, said PGE may be getting ready to sue the commission over the law... 'PGE doesn't have a chance of winning this at the PUC,' Jenks said."

Power bill glides through Senate Oregonian 04/11/07—"The Senate easily passed a bill Tuesday that would require utilities to move aggressively into renewable power, adding momentum to Gov. Ted Kulongoski's effort to make the state a leader in clean energy development. Under Senate Bill 838, wind, solar, geothermal and other types of renewable power must account for 25 percent of an electric utility's retail sales by 2025... State Sen. Brad Avakian, D-Bethany, called the bill a "landmark effort" to reduce Oreogn's dependence on electricity produced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas."

Citizen lobbyists focus on environment Statesman Journal 04/04/07 — "When hundreds of lobbyists showed up at the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, their message was clear: expand Oregon's environmental legacy. The citizen lobbyists — about 300 from across the state — urged legislators to support a statewide electronics recycling program, a mandated renewable energy portfolio and elimination of toxic areas in rivers... 'This is the most aggressive, pro-environment agenda we have had in a long time,' said Jeff Bissonnette."

Murmurs: Renewable Energy Bill Willamette Week 04/04/07—"With heavy legislative arm-twisting over a renewable energy bill headed for a Senate vote next week, most interest groups are taking predictable positions. Power consumers such as the Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities fear rate hikes from Senate Bill 838, which would require Oregon to generate 25 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025. (See "The Green Machine,'' WW, March 28, 2007.) Enviros, the gov's office and the green-friendly Citizens' Utility Board say such concerns are just hot air. But some Salem watchers are wonder how to read the stance of one powerhouse—PacifiCorp, which is enthusiastic about a bill placing hefty mandates on utilities. It fought a similar but less onerous ballot measure in Washington last year. "We learned a lesson," says PacifiCorp spokesman Scott Bolton. "The ballot measure we got in Washington was worse than the bills in three previous legislative sessions and we think the bill we have here [SB 838] is better than we'd get on the ballot.""

A power play is going on in the state Capitol. The result will hit you every time you flip a switch. Oregonian 03/15/07—"Coming soon to a bill near you: the 2007 Oregon Legislature. Lawmakers are hammering away on a slate of energy bills this session that dwarfs anything since 1999... This year, the power plays in Salem cover everything from global climate change to the public purpose charge tacked on ratepayers' bills, from the way utilities collect and pay taxes to how they acquire energy -- and charge customers for it."

Governor presses for renewable energy bill Oregonian 03/06/07—"Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Monday emphasized his support of an ambitious, potentially controversial bill aimed at increasing electric utilities' use of renewable energy. At a briefing with reporters, Kulongoski extolled the virtues of Senate Bill 373, which would direct utilities to account for 25 percent of their electricity sales with renewable energy by 2025... Hearings begin at 3 p.m. today before the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Hearing Room B. "It's the single best tool for Oregon to take control of our energy future and to move us toward energy independence," said the committee's chairman, Sen. Brad Avakian, D-Bethany, who joined Kulongoski at the briefing."

Oregon joins 4 states in greenhouse battle Oregonian 02/27/07—"Oregon will join four other Western states in setting limits on greenhouse gases produced by everything from the car you drive to the power plant that supplies your electricity.... The Western states strategy is general and doesn not specify how the states will control greenhouse gases. But they will target all the major sources: vehicle exhaust and industrial sources as well... 'You're either behind the curve or you're ahead of it, and this puts Oregon ahead of it,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. 'Oregon is not going to solve global warming itself, but these five states together can make a significant contribution.'"

Rebuffed PGE suitor changes its approach Oregonian 02/27/07—"The private-equity powerhouse Texas Pacific Group may be putting to work in Texas some lessons that it learned from its thanks-for-visiting-but-don't-stay experience in Oregon. Texas Pacific, whose 2003 bid to take over Portland General Electric was derailed by public and regulatory opposition, is one of the leaders in a coalition of private equity firms bidding to buy the Texas-based utility giant TXU Corp. for $32 billion -- which would be the largest-ever leveraged buyout deal... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Oregon's Citizens' Utility Board, said he'd still caution Texas regulators and lawmakers to scrutinize the deal. Texas Pacific and its partners are secretive private equity firms that are in the business of cutting costs and flipping their investments at a maximum profit for their investors, he said. The fact that they're prepared to slash their investment in new plants can be interpreted as an environmental benefit -- or a sign that they have little interest in investing in the utlity. The latter would not benefit customers, Jenks said. 'I'm not sure there's anything in this deal that looks very different than what they were proposing to do with PGE,' he said. 'They're a temporary owner -- a private equity firm -- and they're doing it with a lot of debt. People should worry about that.'"

Kudos for PGE Green Power (Bob Jenks LTE) Oregonian 02/08/07—"We frequently criticize Portland General Electric, but we disagree with the recent criticism of PGE's voluntary renewables program. Our analysis shows that PGE spends less on marketing than other utilities with similar programs. PGE customers can purchase renewable energy for 0.8 cents per kilowatt hour; elsewhere in the country, utiltiies charge an average of 2.4 cents per kilowatt hour - three times as much!... Oregon's program is well-designed, carefully regulated, uses competitive bidding to find the lowest price, and does not allow for utility profit. Customers who purchase PGE's green power are having exactly the effect they want -- the development of new renewable resources -- and doing so at a great price. This is a success story."

Green is the color of energy success (CUB Op-Ed) Oregonian 02/07/07— "Our local utilities have come under fire recently for something unusual: their award-winning and nationally recognized green power programs. While there's no question that utility investments should be scrutinized, Portland General Electric's and Pacific Power's efforts to promote and sell renewable energy deserve praise."

Life as we know it gets blame for global warming Oregonian 02/02/07

PGE's gas-fired plant delayed Oregonian 02/02/07— "Portland General Electric has delayed for almost two months the targeted startup date for its new natural gas-fired power plant, citing labor shortages and glitches that emerged during testing operations... Rates for PGE's 795,000 Oregon customers are scheduled to increase by 2.8 percent once the new power plan, dubbed Port Westward, revs into operation... PGE also has plans to increase its stake in renewable energy, particularly wind power, a direction encouraged by consumer groups such as the Citizens' Utility Board."

Too much green down the drain Oregonian 01/31/07

Green power at a premium Oregonian 01/28/07

PacifiCorp's coal proposal bites the dust at the PUC Oregonian 01/17/07

PGE rates drop by 1.4 percent Oregonian 01/13/07 —"Portland General Electric customers will feel a slight easing of rates beginning Sunday, but the unexpected relief won't last long. The Oregon Public Utility Commission on Firday directed the utility to drop rates by 1.4 percent overall for residential and business customers, rejecting a request from the state's largest utility for a rate increase... 'Overall, it's a good decision for customers,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represent residential ratepayers. The ruling on the power-cost adjustment also pleased Jenks, because it incorporated suggestions made by his organization..."

PGE puts pale tint of green into rates Oregonian 12/29/06—"Portland General Electric's clean-energy programs have designs on the less environmentally inclined... The new option, dubbed Renewable Future, will become available to residential and small-business customers Jan. 1. Those who sign up will pay about $14.50 a month extra to receive their electricity from the new Klondike II wind farm in Sherman County... The Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers, has backed utilities' efforts to move more heavily into renewables. It considers PGE's options program a success so far, but it hasn't yet reviewed the new offering, said Lowrey Brown, a utility analyst for the consumer group."

New Year rings in with PGE rate boost: The 2.6% increases for residences will be the first of three price bumps in three months Oregonian 12/28/06

Meetings distrub consumer group Oregonian 12/20/06—"Meetings on Aug. 3 between Standard and Poor's analysts and Oregon regulators have drawn the attention of at least one influential consumer group, which might soon ask for an investigation into the relationship between credit-rating agencies and utilities. 'When ratings agencies meet with commissioners, there are powerful messages being sent,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Citizens' Utility Board, an organization that represents residential ratepayers. 'Sending those messages in private may be entirely inappropriate.'"

PGE chief calls for limits on emissions Oregonian 12/14/06—"Portland General Electric chief executive Peggy Fowler on Wednesday called for federal limits on carbon dioxide emissions, suggesting industry support for restrictions on greenhouse gases... Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with utility ratepayer group, the Citizens' Utility Board, welcomed Fowler's advocacy of CO2 restrictions. 'It's big,' he said. Because PGE buys almost half the electricity it needs on wholesale power markets, 'it's particularly positioned to grow into a clean-energy utility,' Eisdorfer said."

Warning: PGE has not redlined this column Oregonian 12/14/06—"Oregon's largest customer groups and securities experts across the country are up in arms that Standard & Poor's not only allowed Portland General Electric to review and "redline" three preliminary drafts of a report on the utility's financial health, but incorporated almost 50 of the company's "suggestions" in its final release. PGE then turned right around and used that report to lobby Oregon's Public Utility Commission for a $143 million rate increase... 'It's shocking they (Standard & Poor's allow the utilities to edit the section of the report that gives advice to regulators,' Bob Jenks of the Citizens' Utility Board said Wednesday. 'The most frightening aspect of all of this for is PGE and Standard & Poor's are claiming this is standard operating procedure. If that's true, the PUC should never give any weight to a credit rating again.'"

Electric Shock Wave: An Oregon senator wants regulators to look at PGE-Standard & Poor's dealings Willamette Week 12/13/06—"Conduct by Portland General Electric that attorneys for the utility's largest customers have called 'manipulation of evidence' is prompting one of Oregon's U.S. senators to get federal regulators involved. Last week, WW reported that the country's second-largest credit-ratings agency, Standard & Poor's, let PGE edit three drafts of an S&P credit report PGE used to argue for higher rates before the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The purpose of the edits, according to PGE's two largest customer groups— Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities and the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon—was to 'manipulate' the ratings report so as to increase the chances of the PUC granting Oregon's largest utility a $143 million annual rate increase."

Power struggle continues at PGE Oregonian 12/13/06—"Portland General Electric ran into resistance from a broad range of interest groups Tuesday as it tried to convince the Oregon Public Utility Commission of the need for a 9 percent increase, effective early next year. Consumer and business advocacy groups challenged much of the reasoning behind the rate request, as did the PUC staff, which recommended a 2.9 percent increase... The arduous, sometimes acrimonious, review prompted one consumer group to urge commissioners to rule as quickly and decisively as possible. 'Please put us out of our misery,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, an organization representing residential ratepayers. Points of contention include equity ratios and debt costs, which are key variables in determining how much money PGE needs from its customers to cover operating expenses and provide a reasonable return to its shareholders."

Objectivity of a Rating Questioned New York Times 12/12/06—"Normally investors who rely on [credit] reports never get any hint of what revisions are sought by companies whose finances are being evaluated. The rare glimpse into the shaping of the S.& P. report came about only because the final version became evidence in a regulatory proceeding where lawyers had discovery rights... Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer with the Oregon Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group, said any discussion about the regulatory environment was inherently about the rate case. Mr. Eisdorfer also said the release of the correspondence between Standard & Poor’s and the utility 'was eye-popping to us.' He added, 'We had no idea anything like this was going on, and we wonder how widespread it is.' Mr. Eisdorfer said he disagreed with Standard & Poor’s assertion that most of the changes were factual, contending that they 'seem to be an attempt to influence a commission decision. This was meddling in the rate-making process,' he added."

The cost of an overheated planet New York Times 12/12/06—"Global warming is not only an environmental hazard, but also a great challenge for economic policy. Without economic incentives, analysts say, the needed investments in industrial cleanup, innovative low-carbon technologies, fuel-efficient cars and other ways of reducing energy waste will not occur."

PGE accused of influencing a key report Oregonian 12/06/06—"Just as Portland General Electric's request for an 8.9 percent rate increase is poised for a final airing before regulators, a controversy has erupted over whether the utility manipulated evidence to bolster its case... Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential ratepayers, called the extent of the changes 'unusual.' 'Maybe Standard & Poor's does this all the time, but we were surprised,' Eisdorfer said. 'To our mind, it goes way beyond fact-checking... On its surface, it's very disturbing.'"

Wire Service: Your guide to Portland's new wi-fi. Willamette Week 12/06/06

The Producer: How PGE manipulated the record to try to raise our electricity rates. Willamette Week 12/06/06—"Last March, Portland General Electric sought permission to raise electricity rates by 9 percent and began submitting a wheelbarrow full of information to the state's Public Utility Commission to support its request... Last week, WW learned that one of the key pieces of evidence that PGE offered in October to support its request for a rate hike—an increase that would cost its Oregon ratepayers $143 million annually—was an ostensibly independent analysis of PGE's financial condition. The report by Standard & Poor's, the country's second-largest credit-rating agency, says that, without a rate increase, PGE's financial position will be in jeopardy... But documents show that PGE played a highly unusual role in the S&P report. The utility 'redlined' or edited three drafts of the Standard & Poor's report, apparently in an effort to make PGE's financial condition look worse and therefore bolster its rate-hike request... The Citizens' Utility Board, which represents individual ratepayers, added its voice to the criticism last week. Because of PGE's involvement in the creation of the S&P analysis, 'the S&P report should be given no evidentiary value,' wrote Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for CUB... But for PGE, getting caught 'redlining' an 'independent' research report is just the latest in a string of aggressive tactics the utility has employed to boost shareholder profit at ratepayer expense."

Renewable energy gets big buzz for PGE Oregonian 12/05/06—"Customers like Davies have pushed PGE to the head of the pack nationally in terms of demand for green energy. Under its green-power program, Oregon's largest utility sells more kilowatts of renewable power to its residential customers than any other utility in the country, regardless of size... Natural-gas and coal-fired power plants are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, which have been linked to global warming. These pollutants are reduced when customers opt for renewable energy.'Combine an awareness of energy issues with an environmental ethic, and it makes the decision a lot easier,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Citizens' Utility Board, which pushed for the program and considers it a success."

Welcome to Wi-Fi Oregonian 12/05/06

Joint Action Framework on Climate Change Adopted by Four Public Utility Commissions Oregon Public Utility Press Release 11/30/06—"Four state Public Utilities Commissions came together today in a special signing ceremony to adopt a Joint Action Framework on Climate Change.  This distinctive resolution outlines a strong commitment to regional cooperation to address climate change.  It reflects shared principles to act on the development and use of low carbon technologies and renewable energy resources, and promote energy efficiency, conservation and demand response programs... 'Regulation of carbon is coming,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, representing Oregon's residential ratepayers. 'It's good to see regulators getting ahead of the curve.'"

Justices' First Brush with Global Warming New York Times 11/30/06

Save the environment while helping the poor Oregonian 11/16/06—"When Van Jones thinks about building an environmentally sustainable economy, he pictures lots of new jobs -- workers installing renewable-energy infrastructure, growing organic food or running mass transit systems... Jones, 38, is working with politicians, business leaders, educators and community activists to develop such cooperation in Oakland, Calif., where he founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights... He spoke recently in Portland during a visit organized by the Oregon Natural Step Network, which promotes environmentally sustainable business practices... 'We need to expand and transform our definition of environmentalism... Rather than talking about environmental solutions as business opportunities for the rich or consumer choices for the affluent, we should be talking about them as job-creating, wealth-creating, health-enhancing opportunities for poor people. For example, one solution for global warming is renewable energy. Not only could it save polar bears in the Arctic Circle, it could create jobs for urban youths who are putting up solar panels. It could also offer wealth-building opportunities for middle-class, working-class people who could invest in those companies... What I'm trying to do is to point out that we might have different issues or problems on the surface, but the solution to all our problems is one thing: It is a green economy with shared prosperity as a key value.'" 

Coalition keeps heat on PacifiCorp's coal plan Oregonian 10/27/06— "Responding to opposition from customer groups and state regulators, PacifiCorp on Thursday told the Oregon Public Utility Commission it would cut in half a proposal that sought construction of four coal plants by 2014. But a block of public interest groups -- including the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, Northwest Energy Coalition, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Renewable Northwest Project and Oregon State Public Interest Research Group -- said it couldn't support the amended offer because of the continued reliance on old-fashioned plants harmful to the environment. 'We are speaking with a single voice when we say the economic risks of global warming are too great to allow pulverized coal plants,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board."

Net Neutrality Moyers on America 10/18/06— "The debate is hot, the language heady, the metaphors many. Op-ed pages alternately bemoan "The End of the Internet" or curse "Net Neutrality Nonsense." Allegations fly about the stifling of free speech, the holding back of progress and corporate hegemony. Indeed, network neutrality has become something of a cause celebre in the digital world, pitting a slew of high-profile Internet content providers and consumer-advocacy groups against major phone and cable companies, and federal lawmakers against each other. But what exactly is net neutrality, and why does it seem to have everyone from Google and Yahoo! to Verizon and AT&T concerned?"

Whither wind? A journey through the heated debate over wind power Orion Magazine Sept/Oct 2006— "As an energy analyst, I can tell you that the science on global warming is terrifyingly clear: to have even a shot at fending off climate catastrophe, the world must reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fuel burning by at least 50 percent within the next few decades.... [T]he number one climate change agent in the U.S. is actually electricity. The most recent inventory of U.S. greenhouse gases found that power generation was responsible for a whopping 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Yet the electricity sector may also be the least complicated to make carbon free. Approximately three-fourths of U.S. electricity is generated by burning coal, oil, or natural gas. Accordingly, switching that same portion of U.S. electricity generation to nonpolluting sources such as wind turbines, while simultaneously ensuring that our ever-expanding arrays of lights, computers, and appliances are increasingly energy efficient, would eliminate 38 percent of the country's CO2 emissions and bring us halfway to the goal of cutting emissions by 75 percent.To achieve that power switch entirely through wind power, I calculate, would require 400,000 windmills rated at 2.5 megawatts each. To be sure, this is a hypothetical figure, since it ignores such real-world issues as limits on power transmission and the intermittency of wind, but it's a useful benchmark just the same. What would that entail?"

Climate change inaction will cost trillions: study Reuters 10/13/06—"Failing to fight global warming now will cost trillions of dollars by the end of the century even without counting biodiversity loss or unpredictable events like the Gulf Stream shutting down, a study said on Friday. But acting now will avoid some of the massive damage and cost relatively little, said the study commissioned by Friends of the Earth from the Global Development and Environment Institute of Tufts University in the United States. 'The climate system has enormous momentum, as does the economic system,' said co-author Frank Ackerman. 'We have to start turning off greenhouse gas emissions now in order to avoid catastrophe in decades to come.'"

Critics light coal fire under PacifiCorp Oregonian 10/09/06—"PacifiCorp is considering building three conventional coal-fired power plants by 2014, an approach that has angered Oregon consumer groups and public officials critical of the pollutants the facilities would emit. 'They're talking about investing billions in old-fashioned coal,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for ratepayer advocacy group Citizens' Utility Board. 'We have repeatedly said that it's unhealthy for both the planet and PacifiCorp customers to acquire more coal resources.'"

Risk and reward Daily Journal of Commerce 10/05/06—"Now's the time to buy into the energy sector, investors say, and Oregon is among the first states to wholeheartedly heed the call. Along with California, New York and Pennsylvania, Oregon is one of four states to directly invest state funds in the still-emerging and volatile clean energy sector... 'In Oregon, you're seeing more and more of a real commitment' to clean energy, said Jeff Bissonnette, organizing director of Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. 'There's a recognition and a realization that we have been the leader in (clean energy) nationwide and in order to maintain that position we need to .. drive that investment and collectively put our money where our mouth is.'"

Extra costs pit PGE, customers Oregonian 10/04/06—"Portland General Electric and customers groups on Tuesday clashed over how much the utility should be allowed to charge ratepayers for the extra cost of power it purchased during a long breakdown of the Boardman power plant. At a hearing in Salem before state regulators, PGE argued that customers shoudl repay the utiity $38.5 million for wholesale power it was forced to purchase while the coal-fired plant in northeastern Oregon was off-line for repairs. The Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential customers, argued that ratepayers should have to pay just $4 million, with shareholders absorbing the rest... 'PGE is wasting a lot of people's time in asking for money they don't deserve,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'They're not going to get what they're after. Their request is irrational.' Jason Eisdorfer, a Citizens' Utility Board attorney, urged commissioners to apply a formula that has been used in similar cases in the past several years. Under the formula, the utility and its shareholders would be responsible for all extra power costs up to a certain amount. Any costs beyond that amount would then be split between the utility and ratepayers."

Net-Roots Army Slays Giants in DC SaveTheInternet.com Blog 10/02/06—"A ragtag army of bloggers and Internet activists have tripped up the phone and cable “Goliaths” using an arsenal of YouTube videos, MySpace sites, musical remixes, traditional grassroots tactics and innovative online organizing to make the case for Net Neutrality. That’s how Daniel Reilly portrayed SavetheInternet.com’s efforts today in his lead feature at Salon.com. Reilly writes about ordinary people who have banded together to beat back corporate lobbyists and their allies in Congress."

BPA policy shift raises rate issues Oregonian 09/23/06—"At the halfway point between the West Coast energy crisis of 2001 and the next major electricity contract renewal year of 2011, the Bonneville Power Administration is proposing a policy change that could affect rates in the Pacific Northwest for generations. [U]tilities— not the federal government— would take full responsibility for building the power plants or generating the extra electricity needed to meet growing demand past 2011... But the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon warns that the proposal could increase rates for many residential customers and farmers, especially in Oregon, a state dominated by large investor-owned utilities that already generate some of their own power, unlike small public utilities supplied by the BPA. 'Bonneville is playing this as a rate decrease," said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the utility board. 'But in general, the trend of this regional dialogue is unmistakably to increase the rates of residential customers of investor-owned utilities.' Eisdorfer calls the proposal a 'significant departure' from the policy that Congress laid out in the Northwest Power Act of 1980... [T]he 2011 plan would shrink the value of the residential exchange, benefiting the publicly owned utilities while likely increasing rates for residential and small-farm customers of the investor-owned utilities.... 'On one hand it secures benefits for the customers of publicly owned utilities, which represent about 40 percent of the region,' Eisdorfer said. 'But investor-owned utility customers are 60 percent of the citizens in the Northwest.'"

PacifiCorp picks new unit chief Oregonian 08/17/06— "PacifiCorp has tapped Patrick Reiten to take over as president of its Pacific Power business unit, reaching for a locally connected leader as it reorganizes its operations and faces political fights over utility taxes and renewable energy sources.... In hiring Reiten, the company has moved from an executive with deep operations experience to one whose political expertise could come in handy with regulators and customer groups in the volatile post-Enron environment for Oregon utilities.... Whether it's utility taxes or renewable resources, 'this is a company that's going to be more politically aggressive than we're used to in Oregon,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizen's Utility Board. 'That's the way they are.'"

Victory was sweet .. and oh so brief Oregonian 08/17/06—"This all began with a clear and present danger. Utility customers in Oregon were getting ripped off. Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp and Northwest Natural Gas Co. -- regulated utilities whose mission, by law, is to provide safe and reliable service at fair and reasonable prices -- were collecting $180 million annually in state and federal taxes that were never paid to the government. ... In mid-July, the commissioners voted for apportionate taxation over phantom taxation. They took a hint from the Department of Revenue and unexpectedly unveiled an apportionment formula it will use to determine what share of a parent company's tax liability the utility can drop on its customers. [Dan]Meek called the formula 'extraordinarily complex.' Bob Jenks at the Citizens' Utility Board described it as a small victory before the utilities take the fight 'to the court and the next Legislature.'"

The Alternatives Oregonian 0814/06 —"Pressure is building for Oregon to require electric utilities to use substantially more renewable energy, such as wind and solar, to power homes and businesses. But a debate looms over whether such a mandate is needed -- or whether it might drive up monthly utility bills. Already, 19 states, including Oregon's heavyweight neighbor California, are operating under what are known as renewable portfolio standards, and others are positioning themselves to join the group.... 'The handwriting's on the wall,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers of the state's largest utilities, Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp. 'Politically and philosophically, it's the direction we're going.'"

Rate proposal short of PacifiCorp's request Oregonian 08/08/06—"PacifiCorp customers in Oregon would see electricity rates increase by as much as 5 percent in January under a proposed settlement of the utility's pending general rate case... PacifiCorp, which serves 535,000 ratepayers around the state, originally filed with the PUC in February, seeking a rate increase of $112 million, or 13.2 percent... Last month, the PUC adopted a new methodology to calculate Oregon utilities' tax liabilities that would allow ratepayers to capture a share of the tax benefits generated by their holding companies. The result, customer groups say, is likely to be a significant adjustment to rates next year when the PUC trues up taxes collected and taxes paid by utilities. 'We expect there to be an additional reduction in this rate period from the 408 true-up,' said Bob Jenks... 'I think it will be more than $10 million, possibly more than $20 million, but that's a very back-of-the-envelope number.'"

TheirSpace: The attack on "net neutrality" threatens your favorite porn, politics, or people-gazing website Willamette Week 07/26/06—"Now, as Congress votes on its first major telecommunications bills since 1996, telecom and cable companies are seeking preferred status for Internet content providers willing to pay for fast downloads, with slower service for everyone else—an Information Super-Tollway, if you will."

Ratepayers see win on utility taxes Oregonian 07/15/06—"Wading into one of the year's most politically charged business battles, Oregon's Public Utility Commission handed a victory to customer groups Friday in the fight over how much utilities should be allowed to collect from customers to cover taxes... On Friday, however, the PUC issued a decision that departed from every proposal on the table, leaving a crowd of normally voluble lawyers and advocates momentarily speechless... When the smoke cleared, however, ratepayer advocates were declaring victory, praising the PUC and expressing confidence the decision would bring customers lower bills. 'This is what we were looking for, within the range of reasonable,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'There's a simplicity here, some elegance. This is more of a middle ground.'"

PUC upholds PacifiCorp decision Register Guard 07/12/06—AP "The Oregon Public Utility Commission reaffirmed its decision to apply a new law when it cut PacifiCorp's request for a 12.5 percent rate increase to 3.2 percent last fall. PacifiCorp had challenged the commission's application of Senate Bill 408, which deals with how much utilities can charge ratepayers for estimated income tax expenses. The challenge led to further PUC review and Tuesday's decision to uphold the smaller rate increase... Oregon lawmakers enacted the utility income-tax law to address growing concerns that energy companies were collecting income tax expenses in rates that are not ultimately paid to taxing authorities. The law's advocates include customer groups such as the Citizen's Utility Board and the Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities."

Agency proposes 2% PGE rate rise Oregonian 07/11/06—"The Oregon Public Utility Commission's staff is proposing to dramatically cut an 8.9 percent rate increase sought by Portland General Electric. Under the proposal, rates would rise 1.9 percent next year ... 'This shows that if there is an increase, it will be considerably lower than what the company has asked for,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential ratepayers."

Buffett may talk politics at dinner in Portland Oregonian 07/11/06—"The Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, is taking time off this week from giving away his billions to visit Portland, attend a board meeting and perhaps put in a little well-timed lobbying with Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski ... Dinnertime talk may turn to SB 408, a utility tax bill passed by the Oregon Legislature last year that was supposed to ensure that the taxes collected from utility customers in rates were either paid to government authorities or refunded to ratepayers... The law's advocates include customer groups such as the Citizen's Utility Board..."

Hedge fund ordered to get state approval for PGE stake Oregonian 06/14/06—"Oregon utility regulators on Tuesday ordered a hedge fund with a 7.4 percent share of Portland General Electric to seek state approval for the investment. The Public Utility Commission concluded that Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I holds enough PGE stock to potentially influence utility operations. Therefore, the commission said, Harbinger has to comply with the state's merger statute, ORS 757.511... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, a ratepayer group, backed up the commissioners' call for further scrutiny. 'We need a process to sit down and find out the intentions of Harbinger and where they're going with it,' Jenks said."

Agency asks how fund, PGE linked Oregonian 06/09/06—"Oregon utility regulators have grown impatient with a Cayman Islands hedge fund's refusal to adequately explain a 7.4 percent acquisition of Portland General Electric's stock. The Public Utility Commission is expected to take action Tuesday to try to force Harbinger Capital Master Fund I to comply with the state's merger statute... Consumer groups also are pushing for a PUC review. A complaint filed by the Citizens' Utility Board on Thursday urged regulators to do precisely what they're considering - demand a more thorough explanation or open an investigation. 'We believe the statute clearly applies to them,' said Bob Jenks, the organization's executive director."

Keep local access, control (by CUB Staffer Jeff Bissonnette) Portland Tribune 06/06/06—"The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement (or COPE) Act—a bill that's supposed to encourage more competition to cable companies... While the bill would not create the competitive market that its sponsors promise, it would do the following: ... 7. Weaken consumer and privacy protections by limiting local governments' ability to adopt and enforce strong standards and rules to protect their citizens... Tell Congress: Don't be fooled again! Stand up for our local communities and for consumers. Say "Nope" to COPE!"

Utility tax law enters first round at PUC Oregonian 06/01/06—"The prolonged regulatory headbanging over the meaning of a new utility tax law finally showed up Wednesday in front of the agency that's supposed to decide its outcome: the Oregon Public Utility Commission. What's becoming clear, however, is that whatever the commission decides this summer probably will be second-guessed in court or the next session of the Legislature... PacifiCorp argues that anything else would be too complicated for the commission to undertake without auditing the parent company... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizen's Utility Board, called the claim of impracticality a 'scare tactic.' He said the commission already allocates corporate overhead expense among subsidiaries, and doing the same for taxes would be no more complicated. 'Most of the information required could fit on a single spreadsheet,' he said."

Commission Wrestles with Utility Tax Law OPB News 05/31/06—" Nearly a year after the Oregon legislature revised utility tax laws, a fight continues over how to interpret Senate Bill 408. Wednesday the state Public Utility Commission hosted an all-day workshop on the new law, designed to prevent utilities from charging you taxes that they don't end up paying ... [C]onsumer representative Bob Jenks says if Pacificorp and other utilities get their way the new utility tax law will look a lot like the old one. Bob Jenks: 'I think it's tough because the utilities are taking the same approach they took in the legislature. In the legislature they all stuck together and tried to defeat the bill and keep the old stand alone approach. And now all the utilities are sticking together and trying to define 'properly attributed' as the old stand alone approach.'"

Investor tells regulators it has no PGE intentions Oregonian 05/25/06— "Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund Ltd. is trying to assure Oregon regulators that it has no intention of buying or in any way influencing the operations of Portland General Electric... [T]he Oregon Public Utility Commission urged the hedge fund to explain its intentions regarding PGE, the state's largest utility. Any holding of 5 percent or more in a publicly traded Oregon utility potentially triggers regulatory review under the state's merger statute... The Citizens' Utility Board, a ratepayer watchdog group, said Harbinger needs to come under regulatory scrutiny. 'If the PUC doesn't do something, we will' by filing a complaint demanding a review, said Jason Eisdorfer, CUB attorney... 'They don't have the option to say 'no,'' Eisdorfer said. 'If they don't see it that way, then we'll make them see it that way.'"

Life after Enron pays PGE executives really well Oregonian 05/24/06—"Portland General Electric's recent break from the bankrupt Enron did more than improve the psyches of the 2,600 people who work at Oregon's largest utility. It vastly enhanced the salaries of PGE executives, especially those of Chief Executive Officer Peggy Fowler... Effective May 1, Fowler's annual base salary jumped to $610,000 -- more than $226,000 above the previous level of $383,764... Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential ratepayers, said that if PGE wants to include the higher salaries in rates, it must make a case that the increases are reasonable. And, 'ultimately,' he said,'salaries have to be a benefit to customers. We're going to look at it very closely,' he added. 'Under any circumstances, that's a lot of money.' Eisdorfer said PGE executives might be able to justify their salaries if they successfully reduce rates, which are among the highest in the Northwest."

Citizens' Utility Board blasts PUC in filing Oregonian 05/20/06—"The Citizens' Utility Board flayed staff of the Oregon Public Utility Commission on Friday, accusing them of taking the easy way out in a debate over a new utility tax law and siding with utilities at the expense of ratepayers and the law. The citizens' board made its comments in a filing with the PUC on proposed rules to implement Senate Bill 408. The controversial bill, passed last year by the Legislature, was aimed at forcing utilities to match the taxes they collect from their customers in rates with what they utilmately pay to taxing authorities... The Citizens' Utility Board's reaction was fueled by the PUC staff's backing of a tax accounting proposal submitted by PacifiCorp, which has led the utility industry's fight against the new law... 'We have before us an opportunity to create a better system,' the citizens' board wrote in its filing. 'Unfortunately, staff and the utilities appear to be quite comfortable dragging the stand-alone attribution methodology out of the La Brea tar pits, hosing it off, and pretending it is something new.'"

PacifiCorp utility puts money into fighting bill Oregonian 05/10/06—"How many lawyers does it take to divine the inner meaning of a new utility tax law? In the case of Senate Bill 408, the answer, apparently, is quite a lot. Portland-based PacifiCorp alone spent $623,000 on legal costs in the company's fiscal year ended March 31 to fight the passage of the bill and influence the interpretation of the resulting law, which was designed to align the taxes that utilities collect from their customers in rates with what they ultimately pay to state and federal authorities... When PUC staff submitted their comments on how the commission should apply the law, they supported a proposal authored by PacifiCorp, rather than one outlined in the temporary rules they wrote last fall, which ratepayer advocates favor... 'I was shocked by staff's comments,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board."

Rogues of the Week: A Substantial Contingent of the Oregon Legislature Willamette Week 04/19/06

Hedge fund's stake in PGE creates buzz Oregonian 04/17/06—"An investment fund with an appetite for buying the securities of distressed companies has quickly grabbed onto more than 4.5 million shares of Portland General Electric's newly trading stock. Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I Ltd., a hedge fund with a Cayman Islands address, has acquired 7.3 percent of PGE common stock... Under a state law, established in the 1980s to ward off hostile takeovers, PUC approval is needed before any entity can own 5 percent or more of the voting securities of a publicly traded utility."

PGE power project rides on the wind Oregonian 04/12/06—"Portland General Electric on Tuesday announced plans to acquire the development rights for what would be the largest wind farm in Oregon and one of the largest in the country. If state regulators approve the agreement... PGE could begin the first phase of the $200 million project as early as next summer. The turbines would rise from Sherman County's Biglow Canyon near the Columbia River Gorge town of Wasco... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers, said he hasn't studied the details of the Biglow Canyon project. But, generally, 'PGE ought to be pursuing wind,' he said."

Investors wary as PGE begins Enron-free era on Wall Street Oregonian 04/11/06—"Shares of Portland General Electric slipped almost 5 percent Monday, to a closing price of $27.98, as Oregon's largest utility made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange and sealed last week's split from bankrupt parent Enron... 'The company trading on its own furthers the separation from Enron,' said Philip Smyth, director in the global power group Fitch Ratings, 'and that's a constructive development.'"

PGE climbs out of Enron pit Oregonian 04/02/06—"On March 23, about 1,000 Portland General Electric employees gathered in Tom McCall Waterfront Park to celebrate the utility's upcoming split with Enron. A huge banner draped between buckets extended from PGE line-repair trucks marked the date the utility will cancel 100 percent of the stock held by Enron and issue new shares to Enron creditors: '4.3.06,' it read in bold black numbers. 'We're PGE. We're Enron free,' the crowd chanted on cue... 'This unpleasant experience (with Enron) ought to remind current management who they're ultimately working for -- the customers,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers. 'We can only hope that as an Oregon-based independent utility, they will try very, very hard to reduce rates.'"

Energizing City Hall's Hunt for Schools Money: How a more up-to-date-tax on PGE could help fund schools. Willamette Week 03/22/06

PGE asks for 8.9 percent rate increase Oregonian 03/16/06—"Portland General Electric on Wednesday asked state regulators for an overall rate increase of 8.9 percent, the first significant jump in five years and one certain to fuel controversy surrounding Oregon's largest utility. PGE said rising power costs and a new natural gas-fired power plant are the main reasons behind the request. A customer group and city of Portland officials immediately questioned whether the size of the increase is excessive. 'The power costs seem big,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, an organization representing residential customers. 'We're clearly going to have to take a close look at that.'"

Many Utilities Collect for Taxes They Never Pay New York Times 03/15/06

Governor pushes for renewable energy Oregonian 03/11/06—" Gov. Ted Kulongoski wants all the electricity used by state agencies to come from brand-new renewable sources such as wind and sun power -- and he wants that done in an ambitious four years... Bob Jenks, executive director of the consumer-friendly Citizens' Utility Board, said government is poised to encourage demand. 'Twenty years ago, government did a lot to push the purchase of recycled paper and helped build the market for that,' he said. 'And they can do the same here: use their purchasing power to develop renewable energy.'"

PGE hearings continue Portland Tribune 03/10/06

City's dim light in chasing PGE Oregonian 03/05/06—"...The would-be utility regulators on the Portland City Council didn't know what they were talking about when they smeared Portland General Electric by accusing it of pocketing nearly $90 million collected from ratepayers for income taxes. On Thursday, the Oregon Public Utility Commission staff said PGE actually made payments to its corporate parents or directly to taxing authorities that were about $56 million more than it collected from customers... The city has burned through a couple million tax dollars, but it hasn't saved ratepayers a dime. Yet city leaders belittle the efforts of customer groups, including the Citizens Utility Board, that have saved ratepayers tens of millions through the years. CUB's sin is putting the consumers it represents ahead of the city's political crusade. CUB can't understand why the city would fling itself into the way of the spinoff of PGE. As its lawyer, Jason Eisendorfer [sic], wrote in a state filing, 'It is time to extricate PGE from Enron and end Enron's presence in this state. CUB cannot see any merit in any perverse theory . . . that argues for keeping the financially and morally bankrupt Enron attached to PGE as a benefit to PGE customers.'"

Council strays from its mission Portland Tribune 03/03/06

State report supports PGE actions Oregonian 03/03/06

PUC will give view on PGE rate debate Oregonian 03/01/06

Oregon seals deal on PacifiCorp buyout Oregonian 02/25/06— "The Oregon Public Utility Commission on Friday stamped its approval on MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.'s $9.4 billion buyout of PacifiCorp from Scottish Power.... The Karuk Tribe was one party that didn't sign the negotiated agreement submitted in December. Tribal attorney Barbara Lee Norman is skeptical about Buffett's sworn statement that he will close his eyes to PacifiCorp's operation... Moreover, Norman said, the agreement offered little for customers that PacifiCorp wasn't already required to do. Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which signed the agreement, disagreed. Jenks said the agreement contained meaningful and enforceable commitments on renewable energy, rate credits and financial ring fencing."

PacifiCorp: Lift rates 13.2 percent Oregonian 02/23/06— "PacifiCorp filed a request with Oregon utility regulators Thursday seeking an increase in electricity rates of $112 million, 13.2 percent, to take effect in December. Portland-based PacifiCorp is the state's second-largest electric utility, serving 535,000 customers in the state. Its request comes on top of a 3.17 percent rate increase that the Oregon Public Utility Commission granted the utility in September. That was about a quarter of PacifiCorp's original request, and the company's request for the PUC to reconsider that request is pending... 'This is PacifiCorp style,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon. 'They come in and ask for a huge increase right on the heels of thier last case... It's unfortunate. There may be some legitimate increases in coal costs or natural gas costs. But once you start eliminating fluff, maybe this is a rate increase of a few percent.'"

PGE rotor not working, but who pays? Oregonian 02/15/06

A Surge of Mergers: Repeal of a 1935 law spurs power companies' consolidation U.S. News & World Report 02/13/06—"...The doors are opening for high-voltage merger mania, as a New Deal-era federal law limiting consolidation among power companies is repealed this week... 'Utilities provide an essential service to citizens as well as the economy,' says Lowrey Brown of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a public-interest group. 'You want to protect them from being dragged around by the business whims of a large holding company, which could use the very regular income from utility customers to support other, much riskier ventures.' One has only to look at Enron, whose former executives were being tried on federal fraud charges last week, to see what the critics fear."

Different Utility, Similar Allegations Portland Tribune 02/07/06

Council to appeal PGE stock plans Oregonian 02/09/06

Energy bills in Oregon may rise in Bush budget Statesman Journal 02/07/06

Portland's powerful pay to fight campaign financing Oregonian 02/02/06

Two words in tax law are worth millions Oregonian 02/01/06—"'Properly attributed.' Those are just two of 2,500 words in an arcane tax law dealing with utilities' collection and payment of state and federal taxes, passed last year by the Legislature... Ratepayers groups and utilities started meeting this week to hash out recommendations for implementing the law, and regulators are expected to issue rules in the summer. But that might not settle the fight. The utilities 'will appeal everything,' predicted Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board. 'They'll go into the Legislature next year and try to repeal' the entire law, Jenks said. 'It's a core issue. This is an issue for utilities nationall now.'"

A day of reckoning for Enron executives Oregonian 01/30/06

PGE Board adds people from Oregon Oregonian 01/26/06

Comcast raising cable rates again Oregonian 01/25/06

PGE expects its POR ticket will soon join NYSE ranks Oregonian 01/05/06

Please, just give us electricity Oregonian 12/27/05

PacifiCorp suitor strikes a deal Oregonian 12/24/05—"MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. and utility customer groups reached agreement Friday on a deal that would allow the Iowa company to take over PacifiCorp in exchange for benefits to ratepayers and Oregon, including up to $40 million in rate credits and a pledge to keep most of PacifiCorp's 1,200 headquarters employees in Portland... 'We think the package they've put together really does provide a net benefit,' said Lowrey Brown, utility analyst for the ratepayer advocacy group Citizens' Utility Board."

PacifiCorp's Judi Johansen will resign Oregonian 12/22/05—" Judi Johansen, president and chief executive of PacifiCorp and one of the most prominent businesswomen in Oregon, said Wednesday that she planned to resign when MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.'s proposed buyout of the company is complete, which could come early in 2006... 'This will be a real test for (MidAmerican),' said Bob Jenks, director of the Citizens' Utility Board, a ratepayer advocate. 'They need to put in someone who understands the region and the local issues and concerns.'"

Utah filing hints at MidAmerican plan Oregonian 12/21/05—" MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. has remained studiously cagey about where it intends to move jobs as it has bargained its way through talks with utility regulators and customer groups in six states, including Oregon, for clearance to buy Portland-based PacifiCorp... More clarity may come later this week, when MidAmerican is expected to file a settlement agreement with customer groups in Oregon that lays out, among other items, more information on the jobs issue. 'It'll certainly be in the pile of issues that will be addressed in the settlement,' said Lowrey Brown, an analyst with ratepayer advocacy group Citizen's Utility Board."

State allows transfer of PGE ownership Oregonian 12/15/05—"State regulators on Wednesday gave a green light to bankrupt Enron's plans to transfer ownership of Portland General Electric to creditors, signaling the end of a turbulent 81/2-year relationship between Oregon's biggest utility and one of the nation's most notorious companies. 'Enron has been our millstone,' said Lee Beyer, chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission. 'I'm glad to unload that and bring PGE back home' as a local independent company. ... The Citizens' Utility Board and a key business organization, Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities, supported the spinoff proposal with specific protections. Bob Jenks, CUB's executive director, said 'Getting out from under Enron's control is ultimately something we need to do.'"

Portland seeks delay on PGE decision Oregonian 12/14/05

Shooting PGE first, asking questions later Oregonian 12/08/05

City agrees to dig into PGE finances Oregonian 12/08/05

U.S. approves PGE transfer to Enron creditors Oregonian 12/07/05

Official: PGE fees look suspect Oregonian 12/02/05

Pants on Fire: PGE blames Enron for pocketing our tax dollars. New documents tell a different story. Willamette Week 11/30/05—"In the past week, however, Willamette Week has obtained two separate batches of documents that reveal a different side of PGE. The documents show for the first time that PGE's local management—not just Enron executives in Houston—was intimately involved in the well-publicized tax dodges and financial machinations that cost Oregonians nearly $1 billion over the past eight years.... In other words, the two PGE officials are acknowledging that a tax collected through a line item on customer bills is being used to increase revenues, which increases profits. Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the Citizens' Utility Board, a consumer group, calls the increased allocation of profits to county residents 'disturbing.'"

PGE: $1 billion in overcharges? Oregonian 11/30/05

State adds to low-income energy aid Oregonian 11/23/05

PUC staff recommends against MidAmerican Oregonian 11/22/05—"The staff of the Oregon Public Utility Commission on Monday recommended that regulators deny MidAmerican Energy Holding Co.'s $9.4 billion proposal to buy PacifiCorp. The staff, which reviews acquisition requests before the three-member commission issues a final ruling, said it might reconsider its assessment if MidAmerican offset the potential risks of the purchase by providing rate credits to PacifiCorp's 517,000 customers... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, an organization representing residential ratepayers, said the cost of [MidAmerican's proposed] network improvements would be borne by customers and raise rates by an estimated 3 percent annually. That's on top of 4 percent annual increases already projected by PacifiCorp, he said. 'You'll see a net harm because rates will go up,' he said."

Advocacy groups want additions to PUC filing Oregonian 11/10/05—"It's about control. Who would call the shots if Portland-headquartered PacifiCorp is sold to MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.?... 'Everyone knows that, behind the curtain, it is really Warren Buffett who is buying the utility,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, an organization representing residential ratepayers... 'Berkshire Hathaway's control of MidAmerican and Warren Buffett's control of Berkshire Hathaway mean that the man and his company will or could have a huge influence over PacifiCorp,' CUB stated in documents filed with regulators."

Debate stirs on law to close utility tax loophole Oregonian 11/02/05

PacifiCorp: PUC ruling jumped gun Oregonian 11/01/05—"PacifiCorp has asked state regulators to reconsider a decision that relied on a new utility tax law to pare a recent rate increase by $26 million. PacifiCorp, a six-state utility that operates in Oregon as Pacific Power, claims that the Public Utility Commission acted prematurely and incorrectly in applying the law to the rate case, according to a motion filed Friday with the regulatory agency... Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, criticized PacifiCorp for an unwarranted, all-out attack on the tax law. 'They're like an angry 4-year-old throwing a tantrum.' The law, known during the last session of the Legislature as Senate Bill 408, is designed to match the income tax expenses that utilities collect in customer rates with the actual payments the utilties or their parent companies make to federal and state taxing authorities."

Power Switches: Months after voting to make utilities pay taxes, some Oregon lawmakers change their tune. Willamette Week 10/26/05—"Some of the same Oregon legislators who recently voted to make utiltiies pay the taxes they collect ratepayers are now trying to weaken that law... 'We've never seen legislators get involved at the PUC this way before,' says Bob Jenks of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, which represents individual ratepayers....'I think MidAmerican was counting on it,' Jenks says. 'They'd overcharge customers for taxes and use that to pay off the premium [they're paying to buy PacifiCorp]... Final comments on implementation are due to the PUC on Friday, and the rules will be finalized in January.'"

PUC staff rejects PacifiCorp bid Oregonian 10/26/05—"Consumer, business and environmental organizations on Tuesday soundly criticized MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.'s proposal to buy PacifiCorp, faulting the plan for everything from an absence of rate credits to an excess of financial risk... 'There is, without exaggeration, not a single direct reference to the affordability or reasonableness of rates for PacifiCorp customers under MidAmerican ownership,' Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, said in his opening comments."

Utilities pay more in taxes, reports say Oregonian 10/19/05—"PacifiCorp and Northwest Natural Gas have paid significantly more in income taxes in recent years than they have collected through consumer rates, according to newly required tax reports filed with the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The disclosures, required under a new utility tax law, seem to contradict consumer advocates' claims that for years utilities have grossly overcollected to cover their income taxes... PacifiCorp acknowledged that the tax report, filed Friday, did not comply with the temporary rules. It has petitioned the PUC to repeal the draft provisions... Consumer groups said PacifiCorp was obligated to comply with the temporary rules. Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, called the report 'meaningless.' 'It doesn't tell us anything helpful at all,' he said."

Business leaders, scientists, warn about global warming in Oregon Oregonian 10/11/05—"Business leaders joined scientists Tuesday to warn that global warming will harm the Oregon economy, hitting agriculture, skiing and tourism especially hard. They urged immediate action to reduce the damage... They said they will be meeting in coming months with business and political leaders to ask them to: reduce emissions that scientists say contribute to global warming; prepare for higher temperatures and sea levels; and invest in economic activities that can mitigate the harm and take advantage of cleaner new technologies."

Oregon ruling curbs PacifiCorp rate increase Oregonian 09/29/05— "Electric rates for PacifiCorp's 517,000 Oregon customers will climb by a modest 3.2 percent Tuesday under a regulatory ruling that consumer groups are applauding as a big win for ratepayers. The rate order, issued Wednesday by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, reduces by $16 million the amount of money PacifCorp is allowed to collect from customers to cover its federal and state income taxes. Without the adjustment, rates would have gone up by about 6 percent. 'This is a sign we have fundamentally changed the way we collect taxes in rates, and it will result in lower rates for customers,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers."

Spinning off PGE Oregonian 09/20/05—" The city of Portland is now clearly obsessed with Enron for rejecting its bid for Portland General Electric. City leaders are acting like jilted suitors, irrationally demanding rate credits from Enron and threatening to become the first Oregon city in a century to try to set utility rates... The city is right about one thing: PGE's rates are too high. PGE has some of the highest residential rates in the Northwest. But the Citizens' Utility Board and other customer advocates understand that this is not the opportunity to fight for and win lower PGE rates... Oregon is better off with a stand-alone PGE headquartered in Portland, for as long as it can hold onto it."

City bullies PGE for rate credits Oregonian 09/17/05— "Stepping back into the ring with Enron, the city of Portland on Friday asked state utility regulators to force the bankrupt former energy giant and subsidiary Portland General Electric to cough up $175 million in rate credits... If it doesn't, the city might consider trying to set PGE's rates by fiat, acting on an obscure state law that empowers municipalities to establish the rates and charges a utility collects within their boundaries... 'We looked into this, and determined there wasn't a rational case we could make for rate credits,' said Bob Jenks, director of the Citizen's Utility Board, a ratepayer advocate group. 'There's clearly a political case to be made. It makes a good sound bite for the politician, but, based on facts and our analysis, we think that evidence isn't there.'... 'If the issue is their profits, then let's all join together and fight together,' Jenks said. 'We would love the city to come in with all their resources. There's a lot of work to do. The city typically doesn't get involved in rate cases.'"

The New Deal: If you thought the Texas Pacific deal for PGE was bad, get a load of this. Willamette Week 09/14/05— "It really doesn't make sense. Six months ago, the Oregon Public Utility Commission rejected the Texas Pacific Group's bid for Portland General Electric, saying, 'The potential harms or risks to PGE customers from the deal outweigh the potential benefits.' Two weeks ago, Enron presented the PUC with a new plan to distribute PGE's stock to Enron's creditors. Utility watchers say the commission will almost certainly approve that plan... After the PUC nixed Texas Pacific, Kulongoski vetoed the two legislative possibilities and Enron rejected the City of Portland's bid, only stock distribution remained as an option. 'We had no leverage at all,' says Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the CUB. 'In a normal utility transaction, you look at the alternative for comparison. In this case, there isn't one.' Eisdorfer might be right that the odyssey that began when Enron put PGE up for sale in 1999 will soon be over."

Coal is yesterday's energy solution: PacifiCorp's move to Utah symbolizes a move away from efficiency, renewables Daily Astorian 09/12/05

Sten demands PGE rate cut Oregonian 09/12/05— "Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten has a beef with bankrupt Enron's latest plan to divest itself of Portland General Electric: Where's the rate cut?... 'In our judgment, there's just no credible argument for rate credits,' says Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers. 'It makes a good sound bite, but does it make a good case, on the record, to the commission?' ...The process could take years to complete. And, at any point, Enron could entertain buyout offers. The scenario presents its own brand of risk, Jenks acknowledges. But he sees far greater uncertainty if the PUC rejects the plan. Then, Jenks suggests, Enron could hold PGE up as buyout bait, hoping that a new federal energy act, which eases restrictions on utility acquisitions, would quickly draw lucrative offers."

PacifiCorp acquisition shouldn't be rubber-stamped CUB Opinion Editorial in Oregonian 09/05/05—"Berkshire Hathaway and MidAmerican Energy Holdings' proposed acquisition of PacifiCorp should not be rubber-stamped by the Oregon Public Utility Commission simply because Warren Buffet is seen as an all-American boy who made good. Buffett is a savvy investor. He played a leading role in this year's repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act and would not be interested in PacifiCorp if he did not see considerable profit in adding our utility to his growing energy empire..."

Parties agree on stock plan to make PGE publicly traded Oregonian 09/02/05—"Enron, major consumer groups and the staff of the Oregon Public Utility Commission agreed Thursday on a stock-distribution plan that would transfer ownership of Portland General Electric to Enron creditors and create a publicly traded company... Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, said his group signed the agreement because it was the best alternative available. If the PUC rejects the plan, Enron must look again for an outside buyer for PGE, which could produce a far more unsettling outcome, Eisdorfer said. 'We did what we could with an absolutely unique situation,' he said. 'I hope to never see anything like it again.'"

PGE move indicates a step toward autonomy Oregonian 08/26/05— "...The distribution of all PGE stock could take several years to complete, according to Enron. Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, represents residential ratepayers, and he remains unconvinced that the process will usher in better times. He and other customer groups are urging state regulators to condition approval of the spinoff application on requirements that would keep rates down for PGE's 765,000 customers and operations stable. 'We want to be free of Enron,' he said, 'but we need to leave it behind in a way that doesn't harm customers.'"

Tax issue needles PacifiCorp rate request Oregonian 08/16/05—"Rates for PacifiCorp customers will go up this fall, but the 'how much' remained uncertain Monday as regulators grappled with the controversial issue of income tax treatment. Months of negotiations between customer groups, regulatory staff, and PacifiCorp have cut in half the utility's initial request for a 12.5 percent increase over all classes of ratepayers. But customer groups are pressing for further shrinkage, arguing that PacifiCorp is collecting millions more from its 527,400 Oregon ratepayers than is needed to cover state and federal income tax obligations... [C]ustomer groups point out that PacifiCorp Holding Inc., of which PacifiCorp is a subsidiary, holds the debt used to buy the utility. Utility ratepayers, then, should reap some benefit from the income tax advantage that parent company enjoys when it deducts the interest on that debt, customer groups argue. The debt also increases the likelihood that the utilities borrowing costs could rise, said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board. That risk underscores the argument for a reduction in income tax collections, he said."

Rate boost for natural gas enters pipeline Oregonian 08/16/05—"Already soaked by higher prices at the fuel pump and the electrical outliet, Oregonians should brace for another increase this fall in the cost of heating their homes and businesses. Northwest Natural Gas Co. filed a request Monday with the Oregon Public Utility Commission to increase rates between 13 percent and 18.7 percent in order to cover the soaring wholesale prices of natural gas... Gas price increases typically are felt most acutely by low-income customers. 'If you combine this increase with a cold winter, people's bills could go up much more than 18 percent,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group."

Watt's up with condemnation - Why the City of Portland isn't rushing to condemn PGE Willamette Week 08/10/05

N.W. Utilities hail energy act Oregonian 08/07/05—"Oregon's largest utilities are poised to take advantage of the sweeping energy bill signed by President Bush on Monday. Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp officials say the incentives contained in the Energy Policy Act will ease the costs of bringing much-needed energy resources online in the Northwest... Consumer groups aren't nearly as excited. They say the myriad tax breaks and credits outlined in the 1,725-page act help companies and their investors far more than utility customers, who probably will see rates go up, not down, in the years ahead. The act goes into effect in six months. 'It won't do much that's positive for ratepayers,' said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers."

Stories of lies, sins and clout raced through the lobby in the last days of the legislative session Oregonian 08/05/05—"THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Lobbyists are more inclined to deploy a stiff drink than the Bible in working on legislators. Which is a roundabout way of pondering the declining legislative clout of Oregon's utilities."

PacifiCorp deal arrives at PUC Oregonian 08/03/05—"MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. President Greg Abel on Tuesday pressed state regulators for speedy approval of his company's $9.4 billion proposed takeover of PacifiCorp, emphasizing the advantages a deep-pocketed owner could bring to the Portland-headquartered utility and its more than 527,000 Oregon customers... But the relative calm surrounding the MidAmerican proposal isn't expected to last. Customer groups are raising concerns about the deal. And the repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act, or PUHCA, which happened as part of the sweeping energy bill Congress passed last week, could complicate the PUC's task and increase the likelihood of controversy. 'PUHCA repeal makes me nervous about all future acquisitions of utilities,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential ratepayers. "

Energy bill ripples in Oregon Portland Tribune 08/02/05—"The massive energy bill that President Bush is set to sign soon could have a major impact on the ongoing wrestling for control of Oregon’s two largest electric utilities.  Among the many things that the 1,725-page bill does is repeal a 70-year-old law that made it more difficult for large nonutility holding companies to buy utilities... The repeal of the utility law — the Depression-era Public Utility Holding Company Act — 'removes what would have been a significant hurdle for MidAmerican buying Pacificorp,' said Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, a group that advocates for residential utility customers. Eisdorfer was referring to Iowa-based MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., which is controlled by Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc."

A lifeline for domestic abuse victims Eugene Register-Guard 08/01/05 —"Beginning Sept. 1 a new law will ensure that domestic violence victims get phone service that is vital to their safety by requiring phone companies to set up payment plans rather than deny or discontinue service... (the) bill nearly passed in the last session of the Legislature, but time ran out, according to Jeff Bissonnette, organizing director for the Citizens Utility Board, a utility ratepayer-funded advocacy group."

House OKs utility tax funding change East Oregonian (Pendleton) 07-31-05 -- "The House easily approved a Senate-passed bill Saturday intended to prevent utilities from keeping money they collect from ratepayers for taxes that they then didn’t end up owing.... The measure passed 53-6 and returns to the Senate for action on amendments.... Jeff Bissonnette of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group, said he thinks Kulongoski “will recognize that consumers are very concerned about this and will sign the bill.

Reworked bill favors utility ratepayers- House backs away from tax provisions that aided utiltiies Salem Statesman Journal 07/27/05—"Facing stiff opposition from business lobbies, House Republican leaders yanked a bill headed to the House floor that was tilted toward big utility companies, replacing it with a version submitted by utility-customer groups... Since Enron purchased PGE in 1997, big utilities increasingly have managed to avoid paying state and federal taxes, even though they are reimbursed for their tax obligations when customers pay monthly electric and gas bills... 'Left, right or center, no matter what your politics, there's just something unacceptable about money being collected for taxes in rates and then never making it to the units of government,' said Jeff Bissonnette, a lobbyist for the Citizens' Utility Board, a watchdog group for residential customers.

Congress, After Years of Effort, Is Set to Pass Broad Energy Bill New York Times 07/27/05—"After coming up short for years, Congress is preparing to enact a broad energy plan that would provide generous federal subsidies to the oil and gas industries..."

Legislators move to lasso - Leaders in the Oregon House unsnag a bill that could save PGE's and PacifiCorp's customers $5 to $6 a month Oregonian 07/27/05

The opposition was electrified Portland Tribune 07/26/05

The view on PGE from Temptation Is. Oregonian 07/26/05—"The triumphant return of a "pre-Enron" PGE? Gosh, that's tempting.... It's tempting, yet again, to take Enron's at its word, and to trust those honorable men to simply distribute Portland General Electric's stock to Enron's many creditors... The Commissioner [Sten] also argued early on that if Congress repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act -- which is about to happen -- those utilities would be swept away by a tsunami of mergers and acquisitions. The Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon is the latest to confront that reality. When the act is repealed, CUB's latest newsletter argues, 'We think it very unlikely that any independent PGE resulting from stock distribution will last long without attempts being made once again to purchase our utility.'"

Enron says no to PGE deal Portland Tribune 07/22/05

Fate of PGE, ratepayers, returns to state regulators Oregonian 07/22/05— "The future of Oregon's largest utility is once again in the hands of state regulators after Enron and the city of Portland failed to come to terms on the city's bid to buy Portland General Electric. The Oregon Public Utility Commission is now charged with determining whether Enron's plan to distribute ownership of PGE among the Houston company's creditors constitutes a 'net benefit' to customers... Bob Jenks, director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, said his group will be evaluating how such consolidation would affect ratepayers. Enron's stock distribution plan is complex, and Jenks said his group will be trying to puzzle out who will be making decisions for PGE during the stock distribution process, which creditors will end up owning the utility and what safeguards customers will have. Until those questions are answered, Jenks said, it's impossible to know whether Enron's stock distribution plan would be good or bad for PGE's customers. 'I think we need to know a great deal more about it, identify the risks associated with it,' he said."

Kulongoski vetoes PGE bill Oregonian 07/21/05— "Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Wednesday vetoed a bill aimed at buying Portland General Electric and converting it into a mutual utility, criticizing the measure for its lack of detail and its potential risk to ratepayers... Another bill regarding PGE ownership could be among future vetoes... SB1008 headed for Kulongoski's desk on Wednesday after the Senate, in a 22-8 vote, approved a set of amendments crafted in the House... The Citizens' Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential ratepayers, pulled its support for SB1008 because certain provisions could reduce customers' access to cheap federal power, said Jeff Bissonnette, a board lobbyist. That could mean an increase in residential rates of 15 percent, he said. 'In their drive to put something on the governor's desk, they chose to overlook the impact on residential customers,' Bissonnette said."

Political Games and Eccentricities: The latest political backstories in the battle over PGE Willamette Week 07/20/05

PacifiCorp bid gives no rate cut Oregonian 07/16/05— "MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. on Friday argued that its cost-cutting prowess and experience in running power companies would provide enough public benefit to warrant the state's approval of its purchase of PacifiCorp. In a purchase application with the Oregon Public Utility Commission, Iowa-based MidAmerican offered no electricity rate cut to the utility's 527,400 Oregon customers... MidAmerican... pledged in its application to cut corporate overhead and borrowing costs by $36.3 million over 5 years... Bob Jenks, director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a ratepayer advocacy group, said many of MidAmerican's proposed system upgrades appeared to be projects PacifiCorp already had planned to do under ScottishPower's ownership or would have to do under future environmental regulations. He said he was "underwhelmed" by the company's cost-cutting pledges. 'Thirty-six million (dollars) isn't much over a six-state system," Jenks said. 'Are they willing to back it up and guarantee it?'"

Congress moves to ease utility ownership Oregonian 07/15/05—"Congress is moving closer to repealing a 70-year-old law that restricts the ownership of utility companies. Utilities say the Public Utility Holding Company Act is outdated and burdensome for the industry. But consumer advocates say repeal would create nationwide utility empires that would face little regulation, possibly exposing consumers to risky business ventures that could translate into higher rates... The holding company act requires a "single integrated public-utility system." If merged, the PacifiCorp and MidAmerican network would span 10 states, from California to Illinois. 'If it was not repealed, there would be no way the deal would pass muster,' said Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer with the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon... Repeal also would widen the field of potential owners of Portland General Electric... 'The practical effect is that it increases the chance that PGE will not be an independent utility in the future but will instead be a subsidiary of a larger holding company,' Eisdorfer said."

Competing utility plans test governor Oregonian 07/09/05— "Three competing efforts to mount a public takeover of Portland General Electric remain intact as the Legislature enters its final days, a scenario that threatens to test Gov. Ted Kulongoski's use of his veto power... Portland city officials continue to push ahead on their effort. The other two, requiring changes in law, are wending their way through the Legislature's end-of-session fray... The Democratic-controlled Senate passed SB 1008 [the Oregon Community Power bill] on May 6... [SB 671] is considered one of the session's surprise survivors. Influential consumer and business advocacy groups, including the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon and Associated Oregon Industries, opposed the measure and by mid-session considered it dead. But a dedicated investor group, which included the former PacifiCorp chief executive, Fred Buckman, and the aid of powerhouse lobbyists Dave Barrows and Larry Campbell kept the bill breathing..."

On horizon: mega-utility trend? Oregonian 06/24/05—"When Warren Buffett pledged some of his billions to invest in the energy industry, he shot to the forefront of what could be the latest merger trend: big utility deals. Through MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., Buffett put his money on PacifiCorp, the Portland-based utility that serves 1.6 million customers in six Western states... Utility executives tout the benefits of bigness... Consumer advocacy groups warn of a dark side. They worry that giant utilities could overpower regulators, increase electricity rates and otherwise mistreat customers. 'Suddenly, you could have a monopoly of monopolies without a lot of regulation,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers... Eisdorfer fears that if MidAmerican and other holding companies are allowed to gobble up regulated utiilties, they would use the steady flow of ratepayer revenue to subisdize more risky ventures. That, he said, could have disastrous consequences. 'Big companies can go under in a big way,' Eisdorfer said... Finally, Eisdorfer worries that behemoth companies with utilities in multiple states would be less responsive to local concerns and ignore differences in issues and cultures. As it is, he said, PacifiCorp utilities often clash -- the coal-related interests of Utah versus the renewable energy sensibilities of Oregon, for example. 'Now they want to throw Iowa in there, he said. 'Does Oregon want to be treated like Iowa?' "

Exponential Enrons Ahead Truthout.org 06/23/05

Oregon gets bright spin on growing wind power Oregonian 06/22/05

Buffet says utility is investment, not cash cow Oregonian 06/21/05

Advance look at a power player Oregonian 06/19/05— "As they prepare to file their merger applications next month, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. are stepping into waters poisoned by Enron Corp. and Texas Pacific Group. To pass muster with a skeptical crowd of regulators, consumer advocates and business groups, the two companies will need to prove that theirs is a deal of a different stripe, one with tangible benefits for ratepayers... Coal is cheap, and its market far less volatile than natural gas. But the combination of two coal-dependent utilties worries environmental and ratepayer advocates. From a business point of view, utilities tend to do what they know best, said Bob Jenks, head of Oregon's Citizens' Utilities Board. If they rely on coal today and need more generation, they tend to build coal... One long-term worry of Jenks and other ratepayer advocates: The cost of coal doesn't include the environmental impacts of its emissions... Many believe that a likely reaction to global warming will be a tax on carbon and other emissions that would ultimately be passed to ratepayers in monthly bills... MidAmerican says it supports the reduction of carbon emissions, but it hasn't adopted a position on the most effective method to minimize the impact on customers' bills."

PGE seeks state OK for stock distribution Oregonian 06/18/05— "Enron and subsidiary Portland General Electric on Friday asked state regulators to approve a stock distribution plan that would transfer ownership of the Oregon utility to Enron creditors... [S]ome consumer groups remain leery of a plan that could keep PGE's long-term ownership in doubt for years to come. 'We're taking it very seriously,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers. 'We want a thorough analysis, the pros and cons, the timelines, the end result.'"

Business Alliance pushes its PGE solution to fore Portland Tribune 06/17/05

Senate backs using renewable energy to generate electricity latimes.com 06/17/05

PGE Canvassing Customers to Go Green Oregonian 06/16/05

Oregon Utility Tax Bill Clears Senate Clearing Up 06/13/05—"A bill that would require the state's Public Utility Commission to match the amount of money Oregon utilities collect for taxes with the amount they pay in state and federal taxes, cleared the Senate last week by 26-4 vote. Senate Bill 408 was favored by consumer groups and businesses and opposed by the state's investor-owned utilities— Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Northwest Natural Gas. It will now go before the House... 'Utilities are not operating outside the law, they are just maximizing their profits within the guides of current tax law,' said Sen. Rick Metsger, D-Mt. Hood, who co-sponsored the bill. 'But the current law is not fair, just and reasonable. SB 408 makes it so for all parties concerned.'"

PGE warns public of door-to-door imposters Oregonian 06/10/05

Bill targets utility tax loophole Oregonian 06/09/05

County may join West Linn in PGE fight Oregonian 06/06/05

Corporate tax measure advances to Senate floor Oregonian 06/01/05—"The state Senate on Tuesday inched toward a touchy type of tax reform that attempts to close the gap between the amount of money utility customers are charged in rates to cover estimated income tax liabilities and the taxes actually paid to governments... It's unclear the degree to which the Senate bill would deal with Enron-type situations, where losses at one subsidiary are used to offset the gains at another. Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney with the consumer watchdog group the Citizens' Utility Board, said Enron represented an extreme situation — 'the biggest fraud in the history of capitalism.'"

PGE rate cut won't be easy Oregonian 05/30/05— "Much of the political juice behind the City of Portland's bid to buy Portland General Electric is in its promise to cut electricity rates by 10 percent when the deal goes through... In the end, Portland claims it will have a rate advantage no matter what power costs are...'The savings will grow every year as you go out,' said Bob Jenks, head of the Citizens' Utility Board, a ratepayer advocate that supports the city purchase. 'You would have to have a lot of government incompetence to waste the savings that come from public ownership.'"

U.S. suitor makes a PacifiCorp play Portland Tribune 05/27/05

1935 law threatens PacifiCorp deal Oregonian 05/26/05—"MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. says it's ready and willing to jump through numerous hoops to complete its purchase of Portland-based PacifiCorp. But a fiery one could be a 70-year-old law designed to limit utility mergers and protect consumers against undue risk. The 1935 Public Utility Holding Company Act regulates utilities with operations in multiple states... But many consumer advocacy groups, including Citizen's Utility Board in Oregon, say PUHCA is all that stands between electricity ratepayers and an onslaught of mega-mergers. The MidAmerican-PacifiCorp merger ... is a case in point, they say. Buffet 'wants to create an empire,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board. 'If PUHCA is repealed, we could end up with two or three electric utilities in this country -- and Buffet will be one of them.'"

Stakes shift as PUC faces new merger Oregonian 05/25/05—"Having barely caught their breath from the marathon tug of war over the Texas Pacific Group's controversial and ultimately failed bid to buy Portland General Electric, Oregon utility regulators and ratepayer advocates have another massive acquisition proposal headed their way. Official from Iowa-based MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. said Tuesday that they'd reached an agreement to buy PacifiCorp, Oregon's second-largest regulated electric utility, in a deal valued at $9.4 billion... Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens Utility Board, said the merger application would be the first test of whether PacifiCorp and MidAmerican learned anything from Texas Pacific's stumbles before the commission. 'If you come in with one that appears arrogant or too thin, it sets the tone for the rest of the proceeding,' he said... While the regulatory process hasn't always been successful in protecting local ratepayers from speculators, regulators and ratepayer advocates say they now have their eyes wide open. 'We've seen everything,' Eisdorfer said. 'The process is legally robust and the participants are mature. There's not a whole lot of naivete with regards to this stuff. We're all well-versed.'"

MidAmerican to Acquire PacifiCorp The New York Times 05/24/05

MidAmerican to Acquire PacifiCorp from Scottish Power Oregonian 05/24/05

Oregon's Senator Wyden Champions Energy Bill to Create Energy Consumer Advocate Medford News 05/19/05—"A provision championed by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to create a Federal advocate to protect the interests of American energy consumers was included today in the Senate's comprehensive energy legislation... The Oregon Citizens Utility Board (CUB), the state equivalent to the Federal advocate the would be created by the Senate energy legislation, expressed support today for this provision: 'On behalf of utility consumers, the Citizens' Utility Board expresses its appreciation to Senator Wyden for pursuing a customer protection that has long been missing,' said Bill [sic] Jenks, Executive Director of the Oregon CUB. 'One of the lessons of the Western energy crisis is that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) operates in a vacuum without a full understanding of its effects on real consumers. Thanks to Senator Wyden's efforts, the utility customer should now have a meaningful voice in FERC proceedings.'"

Kilt Trip Willamette Week 05/18/05

Tax money destination clouding rate case Oregonian 05/18/05—"A nasty debate about income tax liabilities has spilled over into PacifiCorp's current effort to raise rates for its 517,000 Oregon customers.... The way PacifiCorp is allowed to account for income taxes is one of the most contentious [issues]. In briefs filed earlier this month, the Citizens' Utility Board argue that PacifiCorp's rate request should be lowered by another $14.8 million to deal with the 'disparity between federal taxes included in customer rates and the taxes that actually reach the federal government.' ... Currently, the PUC staff is preparing its response to the arguments of CUB and other intervenors. PacifiCorp will file its rebuttal June 2. "

An exercise in inventive democracy Oregonian 05/17/05— "At a crucial strategy session designed to remedy an outrageous tax scam involving Oregon's regulated utilities, you're doggone right the Public Utilities Commission wasn't in the room... Jason Eisdorfer (Citizens' Utility Board), Melinda Davison (ICNU), Ann Fisher (BOMA) and [Dan] Meek found a way around the problem of deferred income taxes and accelerated depreciation. They readied a request for a tax ruling from the IRS. And they prepared a directive that should force upon the PUC commissioners and staff a new understanding of unjust and unreasonable taxes. That display of diplomatic force is necessary, given that the Public Utilities Commission is, Eisdorfer said, "handicapped by a regulatory history that hasn't served us very well."

Twelve people hold key to PGE deal Oregonian 05/10/05— "While the spotlight is trained on the Portland City Council's financial machinations to buy Portland General Electric from Enron, the body doing more to shape how a city-owned utility would run is a 12-member advisory council that meets for its third time today in Salem... [Photo Caption] Bob Jenks, Director, Citizens' Utility Board an advocate for residential customers of regulated utilities [and member of the advisory council]. Position: Supports Portland's bid. CUB wants PGE's governance and rate making set up so that any financial benefit of public ownership flow to customers."

Beyond Portland, a wary view of PGE Oregonian 05/08/05

Senate passes PGE buyout plan Oregonian 05/07/05

Enron's $200 Million Problem Willamette Week 05/04/05

Apply the brakes at City Hall Oregonian 05//01/05

Lawmakers Move Forward with PGE Bill OPB News 04/22/05

Sten: Enron Eager to Dispose of PGE OPB News 04/21/05

Kulongoski gets behind city's PGE bid Oregonian 04/21/05

Power Window: Congress could change the whole PGE-public power landscape. Willamette Week 04/20/05— "The window of opportunity for local ownership of Portland General Electric is slamming shut... Citizens' Utility Board lawyer Jason Eisdorfer says the city's ability to claim thermal generating plants and other assets outside its boundaries is an open question... The greatest obstacle to city ownership is the mistrust and outright hostility of politicians and ratepayers outside Portland. CUB's Eisdorfer says that's where the Legislature coudl go from being a distraction to an asset. "What the Legislature could do is clarify the city's condemnation powers," he says.

PGE bidder announces list of Board members Oregonian 04/19/05— "Several high-profile Oregonians [Kay Stepp, Mike Thorne, Mike Rippet, and Fred Buckman] have agreed to serve on the board of Oregon Mutual Utility Development Inc., a company created to bid for Portland General Electric... The Citizens' Utility Board, which represent PGE residential ratepayers, is evaluating the proposals. The public-purchase options seem to hold the most promise for consumers, including lower utility rates, CUB attorney Jason Eisdorfer said. Eisdorfer said he remains leery of Oregon Mutual Utility, which combines the characteristics of a cooperative utility and a private corporation and appears to pile too much risk on consumers. "They're advertised as a hybrid," Eisdorfer said, "but in our analysis, they're more mutant than hybrid."

Pitch for PGE Oregonian 04/17/05— "The two public-purchase efforts have striking similarities but different political histories... Both sides hunger for lower electricity rates and desire to rid PGE of the uncertainties that have nipped at the utility for years. 'It's time to take control of our own destiny,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group that is involved in both proposals."

Enron, City get together for first Do-Si-Do Portland Tribune 04/15/05

Tough talking on PGE begins Portland Tribune 04/12/05—"As Portland revs up its efforts to buy PGE from Enron, city leaders are speaking the c-word again: condemnation... Any condemnation effort also could take years of court fights— from deciding what PGE assets the city could legally condemn to determining an appropriate price for the assets, to dealing with any appeals. "I would think the city isn't going to get involved in several years of litigation without reservation," said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Oregon, which advocates on behalf of residential utility customers and which opposed the Texas Pacific deal."

City forges ahead with PGE bid Portland Tribune 04/19/05

Enron Changes Plan to Unload PGE Salem Statesman Journal 04/07/05

Texas Pacific Abandons PGE Bid Oregonian 04/07/05

Drought may boost power bills Salem Statesman Journal 04/06/05—"This year's drought threatens to give ratepayers a jolt when they open their electric bills in 2006.... For electricity users, conserving energy might be the best defense against higher energy costs next year. "Customers ought to be told that the power they're using today is going to add a surcharge to the bill at a later time," said Bob Jenks, the executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a consumer watchdog group."

Bonderman: One False Move Fortune Magazine 04/02/05—"Bonderman's high-profile deals have given him a mystique. He's the man who can close the sale, and his secretive style only feeds his aura.... That's why it was so remarkable to see Bonderman last spring in the cramped offices of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a consumer-advocacy group in Portland. The master dealmaker was trying to persuade the advocacy group's bearded executive director and its less rumpled staff attorney to support his proposal to buy the local utility, Portland General Electric. Unfolding his lanky frame inside a conference room half-filled with moving boxes, Bonderman made his pitch but couldn't move the two men one iota. And even if the tone remained jocular, each side accused the other of cluelessness. 'He thought we were naive about the utility business,' says the Board's lawyer, Jason Eisdorfer. 'And we thought he was naive about utility regulation.'"

PGE suitor gets little notice Oregonian 03/28/05

Portland General Electric suitor gets little notice KATU 2 News 03/28/05

Electricity costs likely to rise if users don't cut back Salem Statesman Journal 03/25/05

Quandary confronts firm that seeks PGE Oregonian 03/19/05

Power Failure: How the PGE deal collapsed Willamette Week 03/16/05

Texas Pacific succeeded in uniting opponents Oregonian 03/13/05—"Having staked out their initial positions, business and consumer groups began meeting with Texas Pacific's local affiliate, Oregon Electric Utility Co., to hammer out a final agreement, or 'stipulated settlement.'... [T]he settlement talks quickly broke down. Divisions deepened, and, by fall, had become irreparable. Texas Pacific negotiators 'established a bottom line and were absolutely convinced that all they had to do was wait and we'd see it their way,' said Jason Eisdorfer, an attorney for the Citizens' Utility Board. 'If they thought we'd finally cave, it was a remarkable miscalculation.'"

Oregon Regulators Reject Utility's Sale to Buyout Firm New York Times 03/11/05—"Oregon's utility regulators voted unanimously on Thursday to reject a $2.3 billion bid by a private equity firm, the Texas Pacific Group, for the state's largest utility, saying the firm had 'failed to establish' that the deal would be in the public interest.... Jason Eisdorfer, a lawyer for the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, a consumer group, said the decision showed that 'every now and then, the little people can stand up and decide what is best for us.' He said his reading of the decision showed that the utility commission tried to find a way to approved the deal, 'but they simply could not overcome the facts on the record and the law on the books, which dictated only one result— the result we got.'"

Portland back to bargaining table for PGE OPB News 03/11/05

Lower rates remain elusive Oregonian 03/11/05

PGE's fate still up for grabs Portland Tribune 03/11/05

Public-power idea is reignited Portland Tribune 03/11/05

Observers, participants speak up on decision Portland Tribune 03/11/05

PGE deal rejected by PUC katu news 03/10/05

Ore. Nixes TPG's Buy of Enron Utility PGE New York Times 03/10/05

Oregon rejects Texas Pacific bid for PGE Oregonian 03/10/05

PUC Says Harm Outweighs Benefits of PGE Sale to TPG OPB News 03/10/05

Ore. regulators reject PGE sale to Texas Pacific kgw.com 03/10/05

Regulators deny Enron subsidiary purchase: Governor responds Salem Statesman Journal 03/10/05

Texas Pacific Group's Bid for PGE is Denied katu.com 03/10/05

PGE bonus for executive 57% more than 2003 Oregonian 03/09/05

Lawmakers propose customers purchase PGE OPB News 03/02/05

Oregon lawmakers have a PGE plan in the works katu.com 03/1/05

A new bid to buy PGE takes shape in Salem Oregonian 03/01/05

Utility commissioners ready to rule on Texas group's bid for PGE Oregonian 02/28/05

Regulators examine tax effect on rates Oregonian 02/24/05

PGE's fate riding on conditions Oregonian 02/16/05—"The Citizens' Utility Board, which represents residential ratepayers, has focused on conditions that protect the utility against excessive cost-cutting and insufficient capital investment.... CUB also wants state regulators to have access to records relating to PGE 'all the way up to Texas Pacific, which is the real source of control in the corporate structure,' according to one of the consumer group's filings.... 'You've got to allow the commission to go up the chain of command to Texas Pacific because they're the real decision makers,' said Bob Jenks, CUB's executive director. 'I don't care about Burger King and whether they serve chicken sandwiches,' Jenks said, referring to one of Texas Pacific's many consumer-oriented investments. 'But I do care about PGE and whether they (Texas Pacific) plan to invest in transmission lines or power plants.'... Finally, Jenks wants the PUC to exert controls over Texas Pacific's eventual sale of PGE. Specifically, he says, the city of Portland or another public entity interested in buying the utility should be given the first chance to submit an offer."

PGE's Windfall Willamette Week 02/9/05

Would PGE be better with a new owner? Salem Statesman Journal 02/6/05

Klamath farmers, Pacificorp battle over electricity rates kgw.com 01/24/05

Texas Pacific Rips Watchdog Portland Tribune 01/14/05

The Electric Marionettes Willamette Week 01/12/05

Legal eagle eyes PGE deal Portland Tribune 01/11/05

Secrecy Stripped from Oregon Utility Sale New York Times 01/11/05

The PGE Papers Willamette Week 01/5/05

New coal plants bury 'Kyoto' Christian Science Monitor 12/23/04

Board will hear final round of PGE arguments Salem Statesman Journal 12/13/04

Variations on Power to the People New York Times 12/11/04

Firms power up PGE debate Portland Tribune 11/23/04

TPG Gets Little Support in PGE Sale Public Comments OPB News 11/18/04

PGE may boost rates 1 percent Salem Statesman Journal 11/10/04

Oregon Utility Co. responds to questions from customers, PUC Salem Statesman Journal 10/22/04

PUC staff: Show us the rate cuts first Portland Tribune 09/24/04

Rate-credit difference stalls sale of PGE Salem Statesman Journal 09/23/04

PGE Suitor Offers Rate Cut OPB News 08/17/04

Texas Pacific pushes forward with PGE buy Portland Tribune 08/20/04

NW Natural seeks gas rate increase Salem Statesman Journal 08/18/04

Ex-CEO tapped by Texas Pacific Portland Tribune 08/10/04

Big bucks proposed for PGE board Portland Tribune 08/3/04

NW Natural finds a workable formula Portland Tribune 07/27/04

Rate-cut issue at heart of PGE plan Portland Tribune 07/23/04

State regulators urged to reject initial PGE sale Salem Statesman Journal 07/22/04

Agency mulls PGE tax dodge Portland Tribune 06/25/04

PGE proposal does ratepayers no favors Portland Tribune 05/14/04

The basics [on utilities] -- essential names and numbers Salem Statesman Journal 04/27/04

Utility watchers fret over PGE deal Portland Tribune 03/12/04

Backers seek an improved utility Salem Statesman Journal 03/9/04

 

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon