Dear Editor:
I am writing to let the community know of an important meeting to be held in Rock Springs Jan. 29 with the Wyoming Public Service Commission. They are investigating PacifiCorp’s Integrated Resource Plan, the one that has forecast the shutdown of Bridger power. That the shut down will cause all kinds of changes is a given.
The PSC is charged with ensuring that utility ratepayers have affordable, reliable, and safe energy. Their investigation ought to be thorough and transparent. All stakeholders – workers, communities and ratepayers, local governments and citizens – benefit when we can make plans and be proactive based on accurate data.
In my work with Powder River Basin Resource Council, I have come to learn that people on both sides of the political spectrum see flaws in PacifiCorp’s conclusions. An investigation could give us the assurance that we are at least working with accurate information. We all deserve the ability to make decisions based on the best-known information we have.
I agreed to work for PRBRC because as a citizen I am concerned that as utility companies transition from coal that we’ll see more negative impacts on local wildlife and open space. I know that coal supports our local governments, and education. It provides good paying jobs to our communities. I want responsible energy, no matter what the source. That is a founding principle of PRBRC. The Public Service Commission has a role in assuring responsible energy, regardless of source as well.
I started working for PRBRC in August. In that time, I’ve come to learn a few things about the IRP, the grid, and the multiple states involved in the decision-making process. I’ve learned more about energy economics than I ever wanted to.
Coal transition is part of PacifiCorp’s IRP. So is building more renewables. Is PRBRC in support of coal retirements? Yes, because it will save ratepayers money. And because a planned transition is a lot better for workers and communities than unplanned ones at the mercy of bankruptcies and markets, like they’ve experience in the Powder River Basin. PRBRC certainly is a strong proponent of renewable energy, but energy done right. With the PSC’s help, we can ensure than any future projects built in Wyoming benefits schools and local governments, and don’t harm wildlife.
This perspective is not an anti-coal perspective but recognizing the inevitable. Despite all the efforts being made, coal is on the decline.
A proactive PSC will not only support the utility’s efforts to lower rates for consumers but consider securitization bonding and other tools that can help workers and communities transition much smoother.
I would much rather talk about responsible energy than coal transition in a coal community. But we all know we’re talking about coal. There are other venues and opportunities than the PSC meeting to talk about Wyoming’s economic future. PRBRC plans a community forum this spring. But the PSC meeting is a great opportunity to support a thorough investigation of the IRP and support the PSC in sticking to it’s mission.
I urge those who are interested to please attend the PSC public hearing Wednesday, January 29, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Rock Springs city council chambers. This is an opportunity to listen and learn, and to comment if you want to. The PSC is also accepting public comment through April 15. You may submit comments to: wyoming_psc@wyo.gov
Michele Irwin
Green River
Reader Comments(0)