CUB Wine Trojan Nuke Plant

.4 ..'- '- Laweuit A~ain '1 But it'9 not over yet

Summer 1998 ince its founding, CUB has often service to the customer." been compared to David, because "The PUC interprets the law as saying s:~ S we're fighting Goliath corporations. that the prohibition only applies to facilities ..s:::.- We like the comparison -- because even that are not yet providing service, as 0 though we·have a tiny staff to pit against opposed to closed facilities, like Trojan, that "- ~ armies of lawyers, we often win. On June already have provided service," said CUB's ~ ~ 24th, we won again, in a lawsuit we filed Executive Director, Bob Jenks. "But the ~ against Portland General Electric (PGE). measure's language is very clear on this ~ It all started in 1993, when PGE closed point, and Trojan is obviously not 'presently Oregon .-~ Commission (PUC), the state utility Court of Appeals. In June, a 3-judge panel -.- regulator, for permission to charge agreed unanimously with CUB. "State ~ ~ ::::s customers for the cost of decommissioning law," they wrote, "does not allow public Oregon Supreme Court . .-~ profit on power plants that are not, in the Now where'd we put that slingshot? U words of the measure, "presently providing I11JVEBEM FAC"Sis the quarterly newsletter of the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon (CUB). CUB is: From the Executive Director ftr a non-profit organization established by Oregon Dear CUB Member, voters to advocate on behalf of Oregon's utility ratepayers. Fourteen years ago, when citizen ... governed by a Board of activists asked voters to form CUB, they Governors from were opposed by utili ties. throughout Oregon, elected by Congressional District. Utilities called CUB a "boondoggle" (even ... a member of the though it was to be funded by contri­ National Association of butions) . They were so afraid of it, they State Utility Consumer outspent CUB supporters by 40 to 1. No one Advocates (NASUCA) is supposed to be able to win a campaign BOARD against those odds, especially a campaign President Kirk Roberts buil t upon volunteers instead of pollsters Vice-President and media consultants . But those early CUB Joan Cote volunteers did win. Treasurer Margot Beutler Board Members And so did consumers. Since its Steve Gorham founding, CUB has saved them about 800 Tim Goss million dollars in rate reductions and John Patterson refunds. That's over $100 per minute for 14 DoriElla Payne MarkWilk years. Carol Wotton

CUB's victory in the Troj an lawsui t (see STAFF Executive Director p. 1) shows that we're not resting on our Bob Jenks laurels. The suit could save PGE customers Legal Counsel about $250 million, and possibly cut the Jason Eisdorfer bills of other utility customers as well. Development Director • Benjamin Chambers Organizing Director So let's go ov er this again: PGE Fair & Clean Energy Coalition mismanaged Troj an. Yet they want to keep Jeff Bissonnette charging customers for a profit on it -- for Office Assistant Anita Russell the next 13 years. Citizens' Utility Board Now that's a boondogg~e ~ 921 SW Morrison St., #511 Because Portland, OR 97205 .-~~ (503) 227-1984 (phone) utilities (503) 274-2956 (fax) bear Bob.)' Jenks E-mail: [email protected] watching Executive Director z •••••••••••••••••• CUB Calls for End to GTE "Confusopoly" The ~ompany ehouldn't profit from confuein(J ite cuetomere

regon's second largest phone plans. So he called a GTE business. So they're profiting from company, GTE, has been customer service rep. "She didn't a 'confus-opoly.'" Omaking $25 - $30 million understand the plans either," Jenks Soon, CUB will prepare more each year than allowed by the said. "It's absurd! The only way to testimony asking the PUC to review Oregon Public Utility Commission find the best calling plan is through how GTE describes its calling plans (PUC). As a result, the PUC trial and error ... but if you try that, and to eliminate the $25 fee for intervened to reduce GTE's rates, the company'll charge you $25 switching plans. In addition, CUB and CUB has played a strong role in every time you switch plans." will propose that the PUC the negotiations between the two Why don't GTE customers investigate the marketing practices parties. But now simply change of GTE and other local phone that the PUC and Y;TE think5 that becau5e companies? companies. GTE have proposed it5 cU5tomer5 don't have a Because GTE has 'U"n" "B' a settlement, a monopoly on Rate cases give CUB the choice, it'5 okay to be CUB's coming out their local phone opportunity to raise issues and against it. confu5in~. tJ service. address problems -- if you're a GTE "GTE has designed a system "GTE thinks that because its customer and you're aware of a that makes it nearly impossible for customers don't have a choice, it's service problem we should know consumers to choose the plan that okay to be confusing," Jenks says . . about, please give Bob Jenks a call makes the best sense for them," "They know they won't lose their at (503) 227-1984. says CUB's Executive Director, Bob Jenks, "and the proposed settlement totally ignores that." Consumer Tip GTE regularly misrepresents its calling plans to consumers -- then It's easy to choose the right calling plan for long distance charges them a whopping $25 if and cellular service: just ask! they want to switch. For example, Here's how: the GTE phone book says its "premium plan" gives customers 1 Call the customer service number on y unlimited access to the "locai calling or cellular bill. area" -- but the map of the "local calling area" actually describes a more limited area, covered by the "community calling plan." To see the area covered by the "premium plan," a customer would have to look at the map entitled "Extended Area Service." But guess what? None of the Why? Because local phone companies have no calling plan descriptions even incentive to help you save money -- it cuts their profits, mentions "Extended Area Service!" and they know you can't switch to another provider. Even Jenks, who has worked on But the long distance and cellular companies have to telecommunications issues for years, compete for your business. They believe that helping was unable to make heads or tails of y~u save a few dollars will make you a loyal customer. GTE's descriptions of its calling

Because utilities watching bear Citizens Unite with CUB A~ainst Enron

yer 200 citizens attended a CUB is a founding member - protect both consumers and the series of public hearings testified. Representatives from environment. Oheld in May on the Portland AARP, Oregon Environmental Only four groups testified in General Electric (PGE)lEnron Council, OSPIRG, Oregon favor of the Enron plan, including Electric Deregulation Plan. The Consumer League, Oregon Law Electric Lite, an independent power hearings, sponsored by the Oregon Center, Oregon Action, and the supplier. Each of the supporters Public Utility Commission (PUC), Oregon Energy Coordinators stood to gain financially from indicated that consumers were Association spoke about the need to Enron's version of deregulation. skeptical about PGElEnron's claims that their plan would lower electric UC staff filed testimony July 6th asking the Commissioners to rates. The testimony. also showed reject the PGElEnron deregulation plan. The staff proposed an broad support for energy efficiency, Palternative plan that would address many of CUB's objections to renewable energy, and low-income the PGElEnron proposal. On July 22nd, CUB will file its own detailed energy assistance. testimony, including a critique of the Enron proposal, and a plan for In addition to dozens of citizens, improving the electric system. Members may obtain a copy of CUB's several members of the Fair & testimony (estimated to run about 50 pages) for a $5 copying fee. Clean Energy Coalition - of which CUB Says, IINo Thanks, US West)1I

ecently, the U.S. District first. attempt to get around Congress. Court in Seattle suspended To get around this, US West And who suffers? Customers of Ra partnership between US teamed up with Qwest to offer US West. Yet Sol Trujillo, President West and Qwest Communications long-distance. Qwest would and CEO of US West, claims that until the Federal Communications provide service to US West the deal with Qwest "encourages Commission has an opportunity to customers, and cut US West in on everyone to get more focused on decide the case. This "partnership" the profits. That way, US West the customer." is the latest example of US West didn't have to open up its local Sure, Sol--you mean focused attempting to duck rules designed to market to competition, but it could on squeezing the customer, don't benefit consumers. still profit from long-distance. you? Currently, consumers can The scheme is a bald-faced choose their long-distance carrier, but have only one local phone Help CUB Prepare for the Future company. To break up local phone monopolies, Congress enacted the ant to do more to help addressed reply envelopes for your Telecommunications Act of 1996. CUB fight for lower rates, checks. good service, and a better The idea was to use competition to W • CUB also welcomes give customers better service and environment? Join CUB's Circle of bequests of life lower prices. Friends by giving monthly. insurance, stocks, US West doesn't want to lose Suppose you give $25 a year to securities, and cash. Call Bob Jenks its local customers to competitors. CUB now. A small gift of $5 a at 224-1987 to discuss But it does want access to the month will boost your annual your needs. lucrative long-distance market. contribution to $60! And it's easy. Because Large gifts ensure utilities Under the new law, it can offer Have it withdrawn monthly from that CUB will always bear long-distance only if it allows your debit card or credit card. If be around to fight for watching competition in its local markets you prefer, we'll give you pre- what you believe in. 4 CUB Thanks Its Loyal Members CUB receives no state funding and depends on its members for 97% of its operating budget. Space doesn't permit us to list all the many thousands of members who contributed between January 1 and June 23, 1998, but we would like to single out the following members for special recognition:

Benefactors ($250+) Patrons, cont'd PhyllisM. & RobertE. Janet Rekate Marian Drake Ronald G. Bline Hofland John W. & Phyllis Reynolds Steven Goldberg & Linda James E. Hoy III John T. Rice Boise Susan Hubbard Steven J. Robinson Advocates ($100-$249) Francis E. & June A. Boone Charles Humphrey Roger Rogers James Boscole Mary Boyer Neil & Joan Hundtoft Rachael e. M. Brake & Harold Robert Crawford Janice M. Brandstrom Patrick & Laune Iverson G.Rolette Walter L. Crow Jr. Caren Braunschweig Velma Jeremiah Rochelle Rosenberg Donna Deacon Alan W. Brown Kimberly A. Johnson Larry Rothman D.W. & Susan Decker Linda Butler Leslie R. & Helen Jorg Anita E. Russel Louise M. Fronville Dr. Bruce Chaser Don & Bev Kauffman Susan Russell Jane & Howard Glazer Virginia & Oscar Coen Brian Kenny Dr. Daryl S. Ruthven Sheryl L. Hill-Tanquist Susan Cook Richard Kiernan & Kelly Jennifer Sachs John e. Crabbe & Jeri G. Maxine Cracraft Knowles Kathy & James Sampson Janowsky Oliver Dalton Karol Kochsmeier ElmerG. Sankey Kenneth K. Keyt Malcolm Daniels John H. Kuitert M.D. Eugene Scott John & Mrujorie Lloyd Nadine M. Davis Patsy Kullberg William Seifert Edward McNamara Lois Ann Day David A. Lane George J. & Barbara Skorney Dr. Marsha Willard & Mark S. Don DeFazio Biagina Lazaroni Louis Sloss Mikolavich F. K. Delaney Harry Lofton Marguerite Smalle Pharaba Pankratz Thurston E. Doler Henry M. Lunki Neil Soiffer & Carolyn Smith Johne. Pock Alex Dracobly Catherine H. Machell Clayton & Mrujorie L. Smith Arno Reifenberg Roger Dreiling Monteith Macoubrie Rosalind M. & James Q. Smith Paul D. Rogland Diane M. Dugan Stanley A. Maple Alan Thomas Nettleton & Peter v.H. Serrell James Wendell Dunsworth John & Martha Marks Olivia Lee Smith John Shennan Dwyer, Simpson Roy W. Marvin Stephen H. Snyder Clark & Connie Stephens NancyD.Ege Charles J. & Billie Marx Nancy Solomon William C. Elkins Jeff Mather Donald J. & Julie e. Sterling Sustainers ($75-$99) Roger & Marie Ellingson EdwardS. May Susan E. Stone HSI Security Systems Joseph Erceg Raymond Mayer Jr. BJ & Reggie Sullivan Anna O'Guinn Doug Erickson Peter & Esther McEvoy Frank Tannehill Myra Erwin Robert & Ester McGinnis HollyThau Circle ofFriends Mary Etter Peter H. Miller Elizabeth & Dr. Morris Tiktin (monthly donations) Sherrylee Felger Walter e. Mintkeski Richard S. Tron J. Scott Ferris Christine V. Mitchell Stanley V. Tucker Gordon & Bea Bentson Paul A. Fishman Robert Gross & Alice Muccio Alan Locklear & Marie Benjamin Chambers Maureen Flynn Daniel Aslin & Molly Jo Valleroy Steven H. Gorham Ashton Foerst Mullen Donald Walden Stanley N. Heth Ginny & Robert S. Freeman Kay & Wayne Musgrove Mrujory E. & Thomas J. Merton Saling Mr. & Mrs. Dale Fry Julie & Peter Najdek Walker Monique & Steve Goldstein RobertJ. Neuberger Trudi H. Walta Patrons ($50-$74) Peter & Erica Goodwin Christopher Nielsen Allen Wasserman Joan & Michael Adelsheim Louis & Jacqueline Gordon Lyle L. Olson ElbertJ. Weihmann Ella L. & Winfield C. Wayne & Joan Graber Weir H. Owens Rebecca West Anderson Chad Gracey Robert & Rachel Ozretich Phillip & Sharon Williams Phillip D Anderson Bill Gregory William Parsons Dean R. Wilson Anthony Auker Mrujorie L. & Aurel L. Gunter John Patterson Harlan C. Wisner Stephen Babson Eric Hall Lillian A. Pereyra Dr. Mark Yerby Baden & Baker Inc. Dr. Jon M. Hanifm William R. Perrin Philip & Debra Barrett Mark E. Harbert Jane S. Peters John Barth William K. & Barbara R. Harris Tomm H. Pickles Richard W. Becker Mira M. & Arley E. Hartley William Poppie & Tamara Because Owen Bentley Edward Heid Pinkas utilities Jerry Bibler John H. Herbert John W. S. Platt Joanne Binns Dr. Emily Herbert Sandra Polishuk bear Michael Bishop Joy Hicklin George D. Porter watching CUB's Enviro ... friendly Requlation Join the Plan called I~evolutionaryll Rapid n May, the Public Utility power in order to improve profits. Response Commission (PUC) adopted a Instead, conservation, efficiency, Iproposal CUB co-authored with and innovation are the keys to Team! Pacific Power (PacifiCorp) and profit. This is big news. In a "The American several environmental groups to May 19th editorial, the Revolution had its give Pacific Power Oregonian "We 5ee thi5 new rate Minutemen, and the an incentive to called the plan reform propo5al a5 a model campaign to protect invest in energy "revolutionary," electric utility consumers efficiency and for the nation ... " and "a model will have its Rapid renewable energy The Oregonian for the Response Team," says like solar and wind nation." Jeff Bissonnette, power. It also maintains investments The new regulation plan has Organizing Director of the in service quality. four key elements: Fair & Clean Energy In the past, utilities like Pacific * Pacific Power's profit is Coalition (FCEC), of which CUB is Power had no incentive to help you tied to energy efficiency, not a founding member. FCEC's goal is cut your energy use -- it would be consumption. to defeat the PGElEnron like asking a grocery store to sell Pacific has an incentive to deregulation plan and make sure less food. * invest in renewable resources. that any new plan includes The new plan means Pacific consumer and environmental Power doesn't have to sell more * The plan creates a new funding mechanism to support protections. FCEC has set a goal . conservation and renewables. of organizing 500 citizens by the Fall of 1998. Team members will It establishes service quality Elections * participate in the Coalition phone rules that ensure the company tree and receive specialized Three members of our Board will make the necessary of Governors must step down this updates. investments to maintain the fall, because of tenn limits. We'll To join, write Jeff Bissonnette electric distribution network. be mailing out ballots to those c/o CUB, call him at 227-1984, or This will prevent an electric reach him via e-mail at districts with open seats. Watch version of the US West service [email protected]. your mail! quality failures . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 'J"dt:?d p"PA:)"J gQ /Og uo ~U! p"Gt:?C]-AOG Yl!M p"lu!Jd G! G1:Jt?d ,H?:;g :;41 t~4....

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