VOTE411 Voter Guide

I support EWEB's proposed adjustments in the mix of energy generation sources and the promotion of energy-efficient appliances through rebates. It's crucial to adapt our energy generation to more sustainable sources to reduce our environmental impact. However, I believe it's essential to carefully assess the environmental implications of these changes to ensure they are truly beneficial in both the short and long term. Conservation efforts are vital, but they must be implemented in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment.

EWEB's response to the recent ice storm faced unprecedented challenges. The speed and intensity of the storm likely caught many off guard, leading to widespread power outages and difficulties for residents. While it would have been ideal for residents to stay home, the lack of power and the risk of falling trees in some areas made that impossible for many. I support the idea of underground power lines, as they can help mitigate some of the issues faced during such severe weather events. However, it's important to recognize that implementing underground power lines requires significant infrastructure investments that may not be feasible in all areas. There is always room for improvement in preparing for and responding to such emergencies.

To minimize rate increases, EWEB can focus on several strategies. They can continue investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and technologies to reduce operational costs. They can explore partnerships with other utilities or agencies to share costs and resources. Prioritizing maintenance and upgrades of existing infrastructure can prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future. Finally, educating the community on energy conservation and efficiency can reduce overall energy demand and lessen the need for costly infrastructure investments. Keeping the Leaburg facility does pose financial challenges. EWEB is trying to manage costs and minimize the impact on ratepayers. For recreational purposes, I wish the dam could stay.

I support these approaches of diverse energy sources as to prevent reliance on just one source of energy. 80% of the energy sourced comes from hydropower, but unfortunately part of the 20% of other sources still includes fossil fuels. I look forward to exploring alternative ways to reduce our contribution of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, incentives for energy-efficient appliances are incredible and an excellent ways to help the average Eugenian make the switch of lowering their impact on the climate. However, these programs are not well known. EWEB is a leader in addressing climate change, and as a commissioner, I hope to join this leadership in energy efficient upgrades in Eugene.

In response to the ice storm, EWEB did a fantastic job in an emergency situation. Communication from EWEB was stellar, phone lines were on-the-spot fine-tuned to ensure very few dropped calls, and lineworkers often would go out to neighborhoods and restore power before going back to their own unpowered homes. This response is what EWEB did right. Where EWEB can improve is in prevention and resiliency. The effects of climate change are incredibly apparent following this ice storm. While we work hard to fight against climate change, we must protect ourselves from the current effects of it.

Rate increases disproportionally affect low-income families. Preveting rate increases requires finding creative and innovative solutions - such as implementing energy efficiency programs can help reduce overall energy consumption, higher energy costs for higher energy consumers, such as big box stores, and ensuring that adopting smart grid technologies for better management of the electric distribution system.