January 2024
LIGH
READING a glimpse inside Keeping Rates Low
The power of hydro and why it’s important.
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he Northwest region is very fortunate to have the country’s most reliable, cleanest and affordable energy, which can be attributed to our main energy source hydroelectricity. Over 85 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s renewable energy comes from our hydroelectric dams located throughout our rivers. In 2020, Washington state passed the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), which requires all state electric utilities to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and 100 percent carbon-free by 2045. Inland Power understands the importance of this law and is committed to a carbon-free goal. Maintaining and investing in hydroelectricity is key to achieving this measure. Without our hydropower system in place, Washington could face the same struggles that California is experiencing. California is currently over 66 percent reliable on thermal and nonrenewable sources. The state has limited hyrdo energy sources, with the majority of their renewable generation coming from solar and wind. While these sources are
clean, they only provide intermittent power and offer limited reliability. Solar and wind are valuable pieces of the resource puzzle; however, there are two terms that need to be understood–firm vs. intermittent resources. Firm resources are able to produce energy around the clock. Wind and solar power are intermittent, which means they only produce energy at the mercy of Mother Nature. If conditions are not right, they don’t produce. Our electric grid is already feeling the pressure of changing climate and coupled with our carbon-free and electrification goals, our grid will require all the resources we can muster. As we move toward electrifying things like transportation, our resources are not up to the challenge, even with current energy production. Trends are showing capacity deficits of roughly 6,000 MW by 2032 during winter and summer months. That deficit is estimated without firm generation being added or taken away. Now let’s throw in breaching the lower Snake River dams.
Winter Photo Competition The Heat Pump Advantage
We will be looking at a 7,000 MW deficit. To put that in perspective, that would mean that more than 4.5 million people—or the equivalent of the entire state of Oregon would lose power. Hydropower is vital to keep running our everyday lives. We have already seen the potential for disaster when it comes to not having enough resources in our region. Twice in the last four years, life-threatening cold snaps drained our energy resources to near catastrophic levels. Regional utilities were desperately urged to ask ratepayers to conserve power before we ran out. It was hydropower, primarily the dams on the lower Snake River, that kept our lights on and more importantly heaters running. We encourage our members to get involved and help us in our mission to keep utilities affordable and protect our power supply. To find out how you can get involved, visit our Grassroots Action Team page at inlandpower.com/grassroots-action, inlandpower.com/grassroots-action and to learn more about hydropower, visit inlandpower.com/hydropower. inlandpower.com/hydropower
Our mision is our members!
Inland Power is my cooperative!
Doing our very best to keep rates low!
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s we continue to focus on the importance of hydroelectricity and its ability to bring reliable and renewable energy, we can’t forget the affordability it provides as well. Washington and Idaho continue to offer the most reasonable rates in the country and the main reason is due to our amazing rivers and hydropower dams.
*Based on the average Inland Power residential member usage of 1500 kilowatt hours per month. 2023 rates includes service availability charge where applicable.
As your electric cooperative, Inland Power is pleased to provide our members with low rates and we continue to strive to maintain the level of service you need at an affordable monthly cost. For more information on rates or billing questions, please visit: inlandpower.com/your-account. inlandpower.com/your-account
The heat pump advantage! What’s the difference and how to learn more.
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eat pumps are one of the most energy efficient types of heating available today. When properly installed by a licensed professional, heat pumps can deliver one-and-a-half to four times more heat energy to a home than it consumes. Heat pumps are effective due to the fact they move heat rather than converting it from natural gas, oil or propane. Inland Power is pleased to offer two heat pump rebate programs to our members. We have programs for ducted and ductless heat pump systems. You may ask - what’s the difference between the two? Ducted heat pumps use home ductwork through one central air handling unit to circulate air around the home, while ductless heat pumps use one or more air units to move air and heat the home without the use of a duct system. Both ducted and ductless systems utilize an external air source heat pump; however, the interior setup and connection to the heat pump is configured differently. Keep in mind both systems have advantages and disadvantages so we suggest speaking with a licensed heating professional before you make your decision. For more information on our rebate programs and to see the list of approved contractors, please visit inlandpower.com/heat-pumps inlandpower.com/heat-pumps.
Helping brighten futures!
2024 Inland Power & Light Excellence Awards
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re you a parent preparing to send your high school senior or college student to a higher education school? Now is the time to begin the scholarship application process if you plan to attend college or line school in the Fall.
college, four-year college or line school are encouraged to apply.
The Inland Power Community Foundation is pleased to offer fifteen $1,000 scholarships. These scholarships are active for current Inland Power members and their children. This includes students who are members or students who can still be claimed as legal dependents of Inland Power members. A legal dependent is one who can be claimed on their parent or guardian’s tax return.
Past scholarship recipients may reapply. However, at least ten of the fifteen scholarships will be reserved for new applicants.
Applicants planning to attend a two-year
All applications are due Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Foundation will conduct the review process in May and recipients will be selected and notified in June.
Applications will be sent to high school counseling offices within the Inland Power service territory, or can be found on our website at inlandpower.com inlandpower.com. Funding for the Inland Power Excellence Award is made possible by the Inland Power
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Community Foundation. The Foundation’s committee also serves as the scholarship committee. The Inland Power Community Foundation was developed to generate and collect charitable donations to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve through individual, family and nonprofit organization donations. To learn more about the foundation, visit inlandpower.com/community-foundation. inlandpower.com/community-foundation If you wish to make a donation to the foundation, please email community-foundation@inlandpower.com. community-foundation@inlandpower.com