Related News

  • Related News

  • EWEB programs make electric mobility more accessible

    Electric mobility seems to be everywhere these days, but does availability equal accessibility? Here at EWEB we’ve determined that the answer is ‘no’ and are working to bridge that gap through EV car shares, community grants and electric bike rebates.

    Find Out More
  • Lead Green annual summary

    In Eugene, we take pride in knowing we have one of the cleanest power portfolios in the nation. Roughly 90% of Eugene's power comes from carbon-free hydroelectric energy. And EWEB has a long history offering robust conversation programs. But we wanted to do more, so we launched Lead Green, a suite of programs for climate innovators looking to support renewable energy and take action on climate change. In the year since Lead Green was launched, we've accomplished a lot we can be proud of.

    Find Out More
  • EWEB supports apprentices through a training program

    Our skilled journeymen are experts in their field, with thousands of training hours and real-world experiences.

    Find Out More
  • Every Week is Infrastructure Week

    National Infrastructure Week (May 14-20) may be a politically charged quip on the national stage, but for EWEB, the urgency and importance of infrastructure is no joke.

    Find Out More
  • EWEB begins work rebuilding 10 substations in 10 years

    By upgrading substations – key nodes in the electric grid – EWEB is investing today in a resilient electric grid for the future.

    Find Out More
  • Show More
Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights - June, 2018

June 11, 2018

EWEB Headquarters Building where commissioners meet monthly

As a public utility, it's important for us to be open and transparent with you, our customer-owners. Here are some highlights from this month's meeting of your citizen-elected Board of Commissioners.

Limited income program goals

EWEB supports limited income customers through bill pay assistance, education and energy efficiency incentives. At the Board's direction, utility staff conducted an evaluation of current programs and, at the June meeting, asked Commissioners for guidance on potential future changes. Commissioners expressed vigorous support for efficiency and conservation programs that help limited income customers save energy, water and money. There was also support for continuation of crisis assistance funds and reducing overhead costs so that a greater portion of the utility's budget for limited income programs goes directly to customers in need.  Staff will consider this guidance and return to the board for additional discussion about future program changes.

Disconnection for non-payment and security deposit requirements

EWEB currently offers the most lenient terms of any utility in Lane County, allowing customers to go 60 days without making a payment before initiating a disconnection order. Customers receive several bills (at least three) before EWEB initiates disconnection action for non-payment. In many cases, this well-intended policy creates a situation where customers get so far behind that it becomes very difficult to bring their accounts up-to-date and avoid security deposit requirements. To help limit the accrual of multi-month balances, EWEB is considering compressing the past-due bill collection timeline, and also looking into reducing the security deposit amount required for accounts that are deemed to present a financial risk to the utility. Commissioners expressed support for changing the disconnection timeline and security deposit threshold, and asked staff to bring recommendations to a future board meeting for continued discussion.

Carbon and climate related policies and priorities

Commissioners at the June meeting discussed several carbon and climate related topics:

Proposed updates to the Board's strategic direction policy addressing climate change - The revised policy states the Board's commitment to supporting a low carbon, renewable resource-based electric power portfolio, and directs the General Manager to continue efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions both regionally and from EWEB's operations. Staff will ask for approval of the revised policy at the July board meeting.

Updates to EWEB's 3-year strategic plan - A strategic plan provides the context and understanding needed to manage policies, establish priorities, and make decisions. At the June board meeting, Commissioners approved changes to EWEB's strategic plan to capture the utility's role in reducing greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

Energy Resource Portfolio - Since 2012, staff has provided the board with an annual update on EWEB's energy resource portfolio and recommendations to ensure our power supply is adequate to meet customer and community needs.  At the June meeting, staff's presentation showed that EWEB's current portfolio remains adequate for meeting needs for at least the next five years. However, staff expects to complete a new resource plan in 2021 to support resource negotiations and decisions needed to replace expiring purchase power agreements over the next decade. Commissioners reiterated a strong commitment to a low carbon portfolio and making future resource decisions in the context of a changing climate.

Click here to view the full meeting agenda and supporting materials.