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Managing peak electricity demand is a critical component of achieving climate recovery goals and keeping energy affordable for all customers.
Electric Outage: 1-844-484-2300
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We are proud to have been recognized with two Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards for 2023 from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
Find Out MoreMany of us avoid discussing politics over the dinner table in the spirit of family peace and harmony. But here's a topic that can bring everyone together: emergency preparedness.
Find Out MoreAt the Nov. 7 Board of Commissioners meeting, EWEB staff will present a proposed budget that includes rate increases necessary to support utility operations and make needed infrastructure investments.
Find Out MoreEWEB is excited to announce a new residential rebate program to provide electric customers with free or greatly discounted Smart Thermostats to customers whose primary source of heating is from an electric forced-air furnace or heat pump.
Find Out MoreFor more than a century, EWEB has planned, built, and maintained the systems that deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible power and water to Eugene homes and businesses.
Find Out MoreThe holiday season is officially upon us. Whether you are celebrating a special holiday or just sharing a meal with close friends and family, hosting can cause some unexpected energy and water usage increases – resulting in a higher utility bill. We’ve prepared some tips on how you can save energy and water this holiday season.
Find Out MoreSupply chain shortages and proactive infrastructure investments, including constructing seismic foundations and implementing control modernization, have played a role in the substation's return-to-service timeline.
Find Out MoreWinter is coming, which increases the likelihood of storm-related power outages. It's important to be prepared, and there are simple actions you can take right now.
Find Out MoreEWEB is seeking public input on the potential adoption of updated standards for electric vehicles (EVs) and demand response programs. The potential standards are derived from the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA.
Find Out MoreEWEB’s Board of Commissioners is considering rate changes in 2024. Here are some ways to save money and manage your bill, and how EWEB can help.
Find Out MoreIt’s that time of year again! October 1-7 is Public Power Week. To celebrate, EWEB is holding our annual poster contest for fifth graders in our service area. Help us pick the winners.
Find Out MoreEWEB is here to serve our customer-owners and provides programs that reflect the values of our community.
Find Out MoreIn August, we reached a milestone: EWEB’s five-member elected Board of Commissioners approved an action plan to guide our energy supply choices for the next 2-3 years. How did we get here?
Find Out MoreEWEB’s Board of Commissioners is considering rate changes to help maintain reliable utility services and fund critical investments in Eugene’s water and electric infrastructure.
Find Out MoreWe know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the extreme weather events and emergencies we face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, depend on electricity for medical needs, or live in rural areas.
Find Out MoreAugust 01, 2023 • Molly Babcock, EWEB Communications
For over a hundred years, the energy industry remained static. Equipped with heavy assets, energy leaders assumed generation would remain steady, and prices would remain low.
All that changed around the time that Megan Capper got her first job out of college at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
During the Western Energy Crisis, generation could not meet demand. By the year 2000, Western energy suppliers were 4,000 megawatts short of demand on average. The crisis led to implementation of price-caps and new generation development.
“This period of change was very exciting. We were pushing the limits of the status quo, and I loved seeing decisions made on the fly,” Capper said.
Capper is EWEB’s energy resources manager. She works with a team to manage wholesale energy agreements and ensure adequate supply for tomorrow, and for the next 20 years. As a manager, Capper plays an integral role in supplying Eugene’s electricity.
“EWEB staff are full of passion and pride, but it takes all of us working together to keep Eugene’s lights on. I love that I am part of this team,” she said.
Capper didn’t know what direction her career would take until her freshman year of college at Willamette University. “I took an economics class, and I just fell in love,” she said. Her good grades did not come easy, but her professors were the reason she pushed through.
Her Tourette Syndrome sometimes made it difficult to focus during class and while taking exams. In one class, she moved her desk away from others to help her performance. The professor supported her and would stay in his office after class, patiently answering all of Capper’s questions to help her succeed. She felt supported, which helped her believe in herself.
After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1988, Capper earned her first job as an economist at BPA. She worked in energy efficiency, power and transmission contracts, product development, and product marketing. She found new mentors and learned new skills, before heading to Seattle for her Master of Business Administration at the University of Washington.
When Capper started working with other utility managers and executives, she realized she was often the only woman in the room. Thirteen years later, she has noticed some improvement. However, she believes public power has significant progress to make toward diversifying its workforce.
Capper is using those lessons from her mentors to support further progress. She is committed to uplifting the women around her.
“I work hard to recognize others,” she said. “Build your coworkers up, especially when they are struggling with self-doubt.”
Capper would advise that women entering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math, including economics) seek out good mentors.
“The support of my mentors made all the difference in my journey,” Capper said. “When you’re struggling, know that everyone experiences doubt. It’s part of the growing process. Just push through and you’ll be okay.”
Managing peak electricity demand is a critical component of achieving climate recovery goals and keeping energy affordable for all customers.
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