ORElectricCoops

Higher rates are flowing your way. Today BPA initiated a projected 6.3% rate hike to cover a $250M shortfall driven by @GovTinaKotek's anti-hydropower lawsuit. This increase will flow from Oregon's not-for-profit consumer-owned utilities to the 1 million Oregonians they serve.

Salem Electric GM Tony Schacher in @Oregonian — the state's hydropower lawsuit could raise power costs 6–7% for Oregon's consumer-owned utilities. That hits families and small businesses hardest. Thank you, Tony, for leading on affordability. Read it: oregonlive.com/opinion/2026/…

3 consumer-owned utility leaders—Jeff Jones, Scott Coe & Kyle Roadman—just told Lane County the hard truth: @GovTinaKotek's litigation over the Columbia & Snake dams means pricier, dirtier power. Appreciate their leadership. Read it 👇 lookouteugene-springfield.co…

ORECA leaders were strong advocates for the Fix Our Forests Act, FEMA Reform Act of 2025, and our reliable, affordable, hydroelectric power supply in meetings with staff members of @RepDexterOR, @RepBynum, @RepSalinas, and @RepBonamici.

We very much appreciate @RepValHoyle stopping by and chatting with our group about FEMA and forest policy. We’re grateful for her support of the Fix Our Forests Act, ORECA’s priority wildfire mitigation legislation.

Next a meeting with @SenJeffMerkley to discuss data center policy, the Fix Our Forests Act, and the way some electric cooperatives are leveraging broadband programs the Senator championed to bring connectivity to our members in hard to reach regions of Oregon. #CoopsOnTheHill

A productive meeting with @SenatorRonWyden and his staff discussing how critical the Fix Our Forests Act is to helping electric cooperatives as we do our part to mitigate wildfire risk. #CoopsOnTheHill

We’re under way! Started by meeting with @RepBentz discussing data centers, wildfire policy, and the impact to ratepayers from Oregon’s anti-hydro lawsuit. Great way to start our day! #CoopsOnTheHill @WascoElectric @Midstatecoop @UECooperative @OTECooperative

The @NRECANews 2026 Legislative Conference is underway and Oregon’s electric co-op leaders are excited about a week full of productive discussions on energy policy on Capitol Hill. #CoopsOnTheHill

ORECA was pleased to help bring @RepBonamici to @WOECooperative to discuss the challenges electric cooperatives across Oregon are navigating - like wildfire risk and @GovTinaKotek’s lawsuit causing a $100million/year increase to electric co-op members.

ICYMI – We're asking @GovernorTinaKotek the question: why is she determined to raise electricity rates on over one million Oregonians? Despite her claim, a 6% rate increase is not “modest” for working class Oregonians. Governor, let's #TalkNotFight. @ODOEnergy @NRECANews

There are no "modest" rate increase for senior citizens on a fixed income. Oregon’s electric co-ops responded to @GovernorTinaKotek calling the rate impacts of her anti-hydropower lawsuit “modest.” The data shows an immediate 6% wholesale increase for one million Oregonians.

ORECA was proud to partner with @GoWestCUA, @orbroadbandassn, and @NWAgCC to host the 2026 Cooperative Legislative Luncheon - a record turnout. Shoutout to @OTECooperative, @ConsumersPower, @UECooperative, and Salem Electric for representing Oregon's electric cooperatives.

ORECA President Joe Van Meter closes out our annual meeting with his State of the Statewide address! We’re grateful to our members for their continued support of all of our work in 2025 and in years to come.

We gave the first ever ORECA Tenacious Spirit Award to Rep. @PamMarshORHD5 for her tenacity in working hard for Oregon’s electric cooperatives. She never shies away from some of the toughest policy battles, and Oregon’s electric co-ops are stronger for it.

ORECA was honored to give our most prestigious award - the Cooperator of the Year Award - to Representative Mark Owens for his tireless and unwavering support of Oregon’s electric cooperatives. We couldn’t be more grateful for his support.

We’re nearing the conclusion of our Annual Meeting program with an overview from Public Power Council CEO and Executive Director Scott Simms about the many challenges facing Public Power at the national level.

Excited to hear about the future of nuclear power in the Pacific Northwest from Greg Cullen at @EnergyNorthwest. Couldn’t come at a better time as demand forecasts are escalating significantly. We’re excited to explore how #NuclearEnergy can help!

Now we’re hearing from @richardfagerlin at Peak Solutions about how electric cooperatives can #FutureProof their boards and prepare their electric cooperatives for the next generation of leadership. Excellent information.