Related News
Related News
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This month, EWEB celebrates 115 years of service Eugene
EWEB celebrates 115 years serving Eugene. As our community grows and challenges increase from aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and climate impacts, EWEB is making thoughtful, long-term investments to ensure safe, reliable service for decades to come.
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EWEB and the UO extend energy generation study
The study is testing whether the UO’s on-site generator can bolster grid reliability and support climate and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
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EWEB Board of Commissioners Approves Employment Agreement with John Hairston as Next General Manager
“EWEB is a public treasure,” Hairston said. “I’m eager to listen to staff, learn from the community, and build on the strong foundation already in place."
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EWEB Board of Commissioners selects BPA administrator for general manager role
In a unanimous vote, EWEB’s Board voted to move forward with negotiating an employment offer to BPA’s John Hairston.
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EWEB and Lane Electric Cooperative sign agreement to transfer EWEB's McKenzie Valley customers
EWEB and Lane Electric Cooperative have reached an important milestone in transitioning electric service from EWEB to Lane Electric in the McKenzie Valley. The two utilities have officially signed agreements for EWEB to sell its electric service territory in the McKenzie Valley to Lane Electric.
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EWEB Board adopts 2026 organizational goals to guide utility priorities
At the January public meeting, EWEB adopted a new set of organizational goals for 2026, providing direction for our work priorities in the year ahead.
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Cold temperatures this week drive highest electricity demand of the winter so far
Frosty conditions in Eugene this week have driven electricity demand to the highest levels so far this winter as heaters strain to keep homes and businesses warm.
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Our Favorite Photos of 2025
For a final look-back at 2025, we’d like to share some of our favorite photos that illustrate our work day-in and day-out. We celebrate amazing teamwork, vital partnerships, and sing the praises of our individual champions and their quiet dedication to serving our community!
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EWEB and the UO launch energy generation pilot project
Pilot project gives EWEB the option to run UO’s on-site natural gas generator this winter, gathering valuable insight into the generator’s efficiency and reliability.
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Energy shortfall of 9 gigawatts projected for the Northwest
By 2030, a dry year combined with soaring energy demand during extended cold snaps could lead to rolling blackouts, a new study warns.
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Sustainability Snapshot - Celebrating Energy Efficiency Projects in the Community
Sustainability Snapshops highlight impactful projects completed by EWEB's Customer Solutions department, as a way to celebrate the meaningful work happening behind the scenes.
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McKenzie Valley electric service territory realignment study reaches key milestone
EWEB Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the General Manager to negotiate and execute agreements with Lane Electric Cooperative regarding a potential realignment of electric service territory in the McKenzie Valley at the Board’s December meeting.
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EWEB Sets 2026 Budget and Rates, Advances Evaluation of McKenzie Valley Service Territory Realignment
Taken together, the 2026 budget and rate adjustments and the territory-realignment evaluation reflect EWEB’s dedication to responsible financial stewardship, modern, resilient utility infrastructure, and thoughtful planning for the future.
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EWEB secures $2.5 billion of reliable, affordable, carbon-free energy for customers
The new contract with EWEB’s largest energy supplier, the Bonneville Power Administration, forms the foundation of a diverse energy portfolio.
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Women in STEM: Meet the Hydro Project Engineer Building Habitat for Salmon
EWEB Engineer Associate Val Chang found her way to the McKenzie River from Los Angeles, inspired by heritage trips to the waters of Taiwan and key mentors along the way.
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EWEB unveils Leaburg Decommissioning Action Plan
January 10, 2024 • Adam Spencer, Communications Specialist
EWEB Commissioners unanimously approved an action plan for decommissioning EWEB’s Leaburg Hydroelectric Project at their Board meeting Tuesday. (Navigate to 1:13:13 in above video to skip to LDAP presentation)
The Leaburg Decommissioning Action Plan (LDAP) outlines the essential actions, activities, and regulatory processes required for the decommissioning of the Leaburg Project.
The objective of the LDAP is to position EWEB to begin on-the-ground decommissioning activities by 2032.
Decommissioning entails the removal of the Leaburg Dam and the restoration of the McKenzie River to a free-flowing state within the Project area.
EWEB is already implementing risk-reduction measures to mitigate dam safety concerns with the Leaburg Canal. The LDAP outlines ways the utility will permanently modify portions of the Leaburg Canal to safely convey tributary flows of creeks to the McKenzie River.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees EWEB’s hydropower license. In its plan, EWEB maps out how it will navigate FERC processes to retire the Project.
The FERC requires formal consultations with Indian Tribes, public agencies that manage natural resources and public health, as well as community members.
EWEB will also conduct extensive studies on decommissioning impacts, such as how the hydrology of the river will change, water quality impacts, and impacts to endangered species, in order to develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts.
The 1928 Project is also a State Historic District, so EWEB will need to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
EWEB staff estimate it will take at least five years to assemble all the information required to apply to modify its license with FERC.
FERC ordered EWEB to cease generation at the Project in October 2018 when observations of extensive seepage and internal erosion in the Leaburg Canal raised dam safety concerns.
EWEB Commissioners unanimously decided to decommission the Leaburg Project in January of 2023 after determining the costs to fix the canal would be more expensive than purchasing electricity from other sources.
The full LDAP report is available online at (clicking link will download PDF): https://www.eweb.org/your-public-utility/board-of-commissioners/2024-board-agendas-and-minutes/01-09-24-board-agenda.
