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Policy. Additionally, EWEB recognizes that we operate in the context of other energy suppliers and a highly
<br />integrated grid and economy. Therefore, our specific role in deep decarbonization must include some external
<br />context, such as:
<br />•Forms of Energy: Energy comes in multiple forms, and environmental attributes must be evaluated
<br />through the entire energy cycle across all forms (e.g. conversion efficiencies, losses)
<br />•Regional Electricity: The electric grid is highly integrated, and the carbon impacts of our local
<br />decisions must be evaluated on a regional basis.
<br />•Forward-Looking Models: Climate change will have impacts on electricity generation and
<br />consumption patterns over the next several decades, meaning past patterns will need to be mixed with
<br />new with future projections.
<br />•Timing Matters: Even with predicted advancements in storage technology, electricity supply and
<br />consumption will continue to be synchronized, and the instantaneous dynamics will impact reliability,
<br />carbon content, and cost.
<br />•Peaking: Energy suppliers make decisions and build systems based on peak demand, not average.
<br />•Natural vs. Human Dispatch: Most renewable electricity generation relies on natural dispatch,
<br />making it variable and less dependable.
<br />•Consumer Behavior: Customer energy choices are made based on perceived value; the relationship
<br />between a product’s features/benefits and costs.
<br />The a forementioned external context, along with EWE B’s Strategic Plan, Organizational Values, and Climate
<br />Change Policy all provide guidance for decisions , partnerships, and investments aligned with deep
<br />decarbonization. As we continue to evaluate decisions based on their economic, social, and environmental
<br />aspects, our climate change work will focus on the following.
<br />•support an electric power portfolio utilizing low-carbon, renewable resources to the extent possible
<br />and practical without impacting safety or reliability.
<br />•participate in local, state, and regional efforts to encourage, develop and enact measures to mitigate
<br />carbon emissions in the energy sector that contribute to climate change.
<br />•continue efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from EWEB’s operations through the use
<br />of the Triple Bottom Line analytical framework, including impacts on the environment and climate.
<br />•assist customers with their carbon reductions through technical assistance and resources that support
<br />energy efficiency, alternative fuels, electric and water cons ervation, and smart electrification.
<br />•prepare for and minimize the effects of climate change that could impact EWEB’s water and electric
<br />supply and infrastructure, damaging EWEB’s resiliency and reliability.
<br />Thes e aspects of our climate change policy inc lude a robust evaluation of the environmental, social, and
<br />economic impacts to all segments of our community. EWEB is coordinating with multiple partners to
<br />understand, define, and execute our role in deep decarbonization. We have sponsored, or partnered, on several
<br />studies evaluating the impacts of carbon reduction legislation on cost and reliability, including several by
<br />Environmental+Economic Energy (E3). In the upcoming years, EWEB will develop an Integrated Resource
<br />Plan (IRP) which will guide the selection of future generating resources.
<br />Carbon reduction goals are clear, but the solutions are complex and involve multiple sectors, technologies,
<br />partnerships, research, and a plethora of perspectives on regulatory oversight. In the joint meeting of the
<br />EWEB Commissioners and Eugene City Council, we look forward to discussing and presenting more
<br />information on carbon policy, electrification of transportation (EV’s), and other forms of smart electrification.
<br />Recommendation
<br />None at this time. For more information about EWEB’s Climate Change Policy, go to
<br />http://www.eweb.org/Documents/documents-publications-policies/board-policies.pdf
<br />February 11, 2019, Joint Work Session - Item 1
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