Higher Prices, Rolling Blackouts The Northwest Is Bracing for the Effects of a Lagging Green Energy Push

Oregon and Washington are struggling to meet green energy mandates, facing a resource adequacy crisis. During a winter storm in January 2024, power prices surged to over $1,000 per megawatt-hour, prompting emergency measures and disconnections for non-payment reaching 70,000. Experts predict that without timely upgrades to transmission lines, the region may experience rolling blackouts within a decade. The Bonneville Power Administration has been slow to invest in necessary upgrades, hampering the integration of renewable energy sources. Lawmakers, including Oregon Rep.

Ken Helm, have acknowledged that existing legislation lacks accountability for utilities failing to meet energy acquisition deadlines. Recent attempts to establish state transmission authorities to finance improvements have also failed. Helm emphasized the need for more decisive actions to ensure a renewable electricity future. The urgency of addressing these infrastructure challenges grows as extreme weather events become more frequent in the Northwest.