Stocking the Energy Pantry – June 2021

Dear Members,

After spring planting, we make sure our vegetables, grain and fruit have enough water and sunshine throughout the heat of summer so we can harvest and store our bounty to use throughout the year. Similarly with electricity, hydropower gives us the ability to store and meet energy demand year-round.

Hydropower acts as our region’s energy battery. In spring and summer, snow melt flows into reservoirs. When energy demand is high, water is released, producing electricity, typically on the hottest and coldest days of the year. The result has been a reliable electricity supply, keeping our businesses operating and people safe during extreme temperatures.

But our energy future may not be so bright. There are real concerns about future power shortages. Sometimes, a power shortage can mean the lights stay on but electricity prices rise. Other times, it means a complete loss of power, called a blackout. We saw the devastation caused by recent blackouts in Texas and California.

Our future power supply may not meet our growing demands for several reasons. State and federal legislation sets the bar extremely high, calling for a completely carbon-free energy supply while simultaneously setting aggressive targets to electrify our transportation and decarbonize our buildings. Some projections indicate demand for electricity could double by 2050.

As if that’s not scary enough, cries to tear down the Lower Snake River dams are stronger than ever as a concept to breach those dams is being discussed in Congress.

Without hydropower from the Lower Snake River dams, I do not know how we can keep our electricity prices the lowest in the nation, provide the cleanest electricity in the nation and have enough electricity to keep our growing communities safe from blackouts.

Providing you with reliable electricity service is a primary focus of Benton REA. We may need your help. As we work with various utilities and elected leaders, there may soon be a time when you can make your voice heard. Stay tuned for more on this important issue that will have a BIG impact on the future for all of us!

Cooperatively,

Michael J. Bradshaw

General Manager