Manager’s Message – January 2024
Help Us Protect Our Power
Dear Co-op Members:
As your cooperative, Lane Electric works to deliver reliable power to you—our member-owners—as safely and affordably as possible. Even with our current steady flow of hydropower here in the Pacific Northwest, this is a challenge that we must manage.
To keep up with the rising costs of purchased power from Bonneville Power Administration, inflation, and critical investments into system reliability, Lane Electric is implementing a $5.50 rate increase to the basic charge in 2024. We recently sent letters to all members detailing this change, which starts with bills received this month.
We understand the economic challenges that our members face. The reality is that since our last rate increase, Lane Electric’s costs—like many of yours—have increased. Utilities across the state are facing this issue, whether they be cooperatives, municipalities or public utility districts.
The Pacific Northwest has long enjoyed lower energy costs than the rest of the country thanks to our clean, reliable hydropower. However, current litigation pertaining to the hydropower system has created uncertainty when it comes to keeping power affordable and reliable.
We have recently learned of an agreement between the plaintiffs and the federal government that could saddle BPA customers with billions of dollars in new costs. This agreement was made without input from organizations that represent Northwest public power.
We need our elected leaders—such as Gov. Tina Kotek and our congressional delegation—to stand up for our communities that depend on federal hydropower. If they don’t, the only thing certain is that the electricity we provide you will be less affordable.
We encourage you to visit Voices for Cooperative Power and have your voice heard on this issue. Go to the Protect Our Power page and sign the petition to protect your power.
Sincerely,
Debi Wilson
