Today, Scott Corwin, Public
Power Council Executive Director, made the following comments at a news conference held by U-S Senator Ron Wyden, OR:
(PORTLAND, OR) -- We
share Chairman Wyden’s resolve that the BPA hiring practices issues be
addressed quickly for the sake of job applicants including veterans, for the
sake of current employees at BPA who desire certainty about their future, and
for the sake of consumers who are concerned about how this could impact agency
operations and the cost of electricity.
We
appreciate the focus of Chairman Wyden and other members of the Northwest
Congressional delegation upon this key issue.
Electricity ratepayers have a strong interest in the effective operation
of this regional wholesale utility. They
trust in BPA’s reliable management of the grid and in the stable supply of
clean hydropower.
These
hiring issues are serious and must be corrected. But, they should not be seen as an open door
for assertions of Department of Energy control over BPA policies that are
governed by the laws passed by Congress.
BPA’s critical missions for the region are being achieved every day by
thousands of hard-working BPA employees in Portland, Vancouver and around the
region.
Electricity
ratepayers pay all of the costs of BPA through rates. This is unlike other federal agencies. Its proud history, mission, and funding are
regional by design. It is a key part of
the fabric of our daily lives in the Northwest.
The system investments have been made by the millions of Northwest
citizens so that they can see the benefits in the region.
PPC
is looking for clarification of the leadership status, and for a transparent
approach to correct the hiring issues, including identifying the scope of
needed actions, the specific steps needed, and the legal basis for those
steps. This will help instill confidence in the system, and will aid employees
and consumers in better understanding the potential costs and operational
impacts.
During
this time of challenges to our industry, our region needs certainty and a clear
path forward for BPA. We will work with the agency, with Congress, and with DOE
toward that goal.
PPC represents
Pacific Northwest consumer-owned utilities on issues related to the Federal
Columbia River Power System.
