Q&A: EWEB & Lane Electric Cooperative Exploring a Potential Service Territory Realignment
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Q: What would happen to EWEB customers in the McKenzie Valley?
A: Depending on the outcome of the study, some or all of EWEB’s customers in the McKenzie Valley could become Lane Electric members and gain voting rights for the cooperative’s board of directors. Many EWEB customers outside Eugene have shared that they want more direct representation, and this would provide itRead More See Less InformationA: Depending on the outcome of the study, some or all of EWEB’s customers in the McKenzie Valley could become Lane Electric members and gain voting rights for the cooperative’s board of directors. Many EWEB customers outside Eugene have shared that they want more direct representation, and this would provide it
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Q: How many customers are involved?
A: The study is considering a potential realignment involving approximately 3,000 EWEB customers from Thurston Road, just east of Springfield, to Thompson Lane near Vida. A realignment of this size would represent a 25% increase in Lane Electric’s membership.Read More See Less InformationA: The study is considering a potential realignment involving approximately 3,000 EWEB customers from Thurston Road, just east of Springfield, to Thompson Lane near Vida. A realignment of this size would represent a 25% increase in Lane Electric’s membership.
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Q: Will customer rates or services change?
A: This is a question being studied. Given power and infrastructure costs, rate increases are possible, independent of a territory realignment. EWEB would intend to ensure that any realignment does not result in additional costs for our remaining urban customers. More information will be available as the study progresses.Read More See Less InformationA: This is a question being studied. Given power and infrastructure costs, rate increases are possible, independent of a territory realignment. EWEB would intend to ensure that any realignment does not result in additional costs for our remaining urban customers. More information will be available as the study progresses.
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Q: What are the potential impacts on utility staff?
A: Workforce impacts are being evaluated as part of the study. If the realignment proceeds, EWEB will work to mitigate impacts on staff by strengthening our focus on resilience and modernization work in the Eugene area. Lane Electric Cooperative has existing systems and staff capacity to support additional customers and...Read More See Less InformationA: Workforce impacts are being evaluated as part of the study. If the realignment proceeds, EWEB will work to mitigate impacts on staff by strengthening our focus on resilience and modernization work in the Eugene area.
Lane Electric Cooperative has existing systems and staff capacity to support additional customers and territory. As part of the study, the cooperative will assess operational needs to ensure a smooth transition, should the realignment move forward.
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Q: Is EWEB still investing in electric infrastructure in the McKenzie Valley?
A: EWEB has paused certain infrastructure investments in the McKenzie Valley, such as planning and deployment of smart meters, as we explore a potential service territory realignment. That said, we remain fully committed to maintaining safe, reliable electric service for all customers. EWEB crews will continue to perform...Read More See Less InformationA: EWEB has paused certain infrastructure investments in the McKenzie Valley, such as planning and deployment of smart meters, as we explore a potential service territory realignment.
That said, we remain fully committed to maintaining safe, reliable electric service for all customers. EWEB crews will continue to perform necessary maintenance, respond to outages, and ensure system reliability in the McKenzie Valley while the study is underway.
