By Islands Energy Coalition
Since its inception 75 years ago, OPALCO has overcome technical,
financial and geographical challenges to expand electrical service to its
members
The bedrock of OPALCO’s success has been Bonneville Power
Administration who supplied cheap hydropower to meet OPALCO’s growing needs. With the end of cheap, plentiful power, OPALCO members are
in for an exciting ride. BPA’s rates are rising (over 8% next year alone). Increased
electricity demand will have to be met through purchase from volatile
electricity market at high prices.
So what will OPALCO’s “new chapter” be?
Is it broadband? Broadband is understandably appealing
because of its familiar story line: expanding network infrastructure despite
technical, financial and geographical challenges.
But broadband is an entirely different beast. Unlike electricity
distribution which offers OPALCO a natural monopoly, broadband is known for its
intense competition and fast-changing technology. Broadband involvement
therefore requires cautious prudence to ensure OPALO’s financial and social
capital is not put at risk.
Where else can OPALCO apply its talents and assets to take
on new challenges while contributing to the county’s economic development?
We suggest the new OPALCO chapter is not only about
hardware, but also software and “peopleware”. In addition to laying down wire
and making prudent capital investments, now is the time to: redesign the tariff
structure to be more cost-reflective and conducive to conservation, offer
incentives for community solar generation, and invest in green jobs and the local
economy through energy efficiency and homegrown energy.
OPALCO can leverage its social capital and access to its
members to engage them not as passive consumers, but as active collaborating
partners, energy co-producers and creative shapers of electricity load.
OPALCO can cultivate a new breed of architects and retrofit
crews to incorporate green designs and help homeowners lower their bills.
The benefits of the “local green energy vision” are clear
and numerous, including:
- lower bills (from plugging leaks)
- lower OPALCO electricity rates (from reduced exposure to expensive electricity market rates)
- increased jobs and green energy economy
- economic development through re-circulating saved money and investment locally
- improved self-sufficiency and environmental benefits
As OPALCO members, we are ready to be partners of OPALCO’s
new direction. Together, we will evolve our relationship with energy from “I can
pay, and therefore I consume” towards becoming co-stewards of this shared,
precious resource through an uncertain future.
Let’s co-write OPALCO’s new chapter to be about
collaboration, green economy and resiliency.
Islands Energy Coalition (islandsenergy.wordpress.com) is
a group of energy enthusiasts with an interest in solutions and empowerment
towards a resilient energy future for the San Juan Islands.
