In a recent Jefferson PUD newsletter, there was a thoughtful essay from Dan Toepper, one of the three JPUD commissioners. At Power Trip Energy we feel fortunate JPUD has three commissioners who manage the present as well as look ahead. His essay is linked here https://www.jeffpud.org/the-power-squeeze/
Commissioner Toepper calls our attention to the forecasted trends of increasing power demand and decreasing power generation capacity. The increase is from population growth and data centers taking advantage of the PNW cheap power. The decrease is a result of carbon-based (coal) plant retirements and potential decrease in hydroelectric generation, for reasons both voluntary and climate-wise. These troubling trends are compounded by grid congestion, which isn’t just a local issue; it’s a regional one involving organizations like the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), which manages the “highways” of our power grid.
He points out that responses to these issues will certainly cause increasing electricity prices no matter what path we take. He correctly points out that one of the smartest things we can do is alleviate this pressure upon ourselves through efficiency and energy conservation. We could all use the reminder to ourselves that once we’ve met the basic needs, our quality of life is not dependent on how much energy we consume.
The commissioner mentions the use of natural gas power plants for meeting current demand increases as a bridge to what comes later. I do believe it is possible to meet demand growth with a combination of renewables, utilization of storage, intelligent load shifting, and energy conservation. Renewables plus storage can create We can thereby eliminate the need for future increase in carbon-based fossil fuel consumption. While allocating our resources in this manner would require more dollar investment under our current economic models, I feel the benefits of decreased pollution are worth it, not to mention the political benefits of being less dependent upon fossil fuels and all of the economic sensibility and liberty that brings.
As an individual you will not have much effect on national energy policy, and unless I am imagining things, the fossil fuel industry has a much more controlling say in how things go with our federal government than you do. The good news is that you can control your personal energy policy starting right now. Your choice to invest in rooftop solar PV can help alleviate these coming pressures for yourself and your community. We are here to help you evaluate your options and install the most sensible, effective and robust solar array for your home.
8.4 kW PV system with Maxeon PV modules, Port Townsend, May 2025