Umatilla Electric Cooperative recently joined other consumer-owned utilities across Oregon in signing a letter coordinated by the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) to Tina Kotek regarding recent developments affecting the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS).
The letter responds to the Governor’s recent public comments describing a court-ordered change to operations at the Columbia River hydropower system as a “win” for Oregon and stating that any resulting electricity rate impacts would be “modest.”
Leaders of Oregon’s consumer-owned utilities, including electric cooperatives like UEC, expressed concern that the potential impacts may be more significant.
Why Hydropower Matters in the Northwest
Hydropower produced through the Federal Columbia River Power System plays a major role in the Northwest’s energy supply. For decades, it has helped provide a steady source of carbon-free electricity and has supported the region’s electric grid during times of high demand.
Initial estimates indicate the court-ordered operational changes could result in an immediate wholesale power cost increase of about 6 percent. When combined with other operational cost adjustments already underway, total increases could reach approximately 17 percent.
For consumer-owned utilities like UEC, changes in wholesale power costs can eventually affect electric rates for members and communities.
Reliability Considerations
The joint letter also highlights the role the Columbia River hydropower system plays in maintaining grid stability across the Pacific Northwest.
During periods of high demand or limited generation, hydropower has historically helped balance the grid and maintain consistent electric service across the region. Utility leaders note that reducing operational flexibility at the dams could limit the system’s ability to respond in those situations.
Because of that, consumer-owned utilities, like UEC, are encouraging a careful look at how operational changes may affect both reliability and costs in the years ahead.
Request for Further Dialogue
The letter, signed by 35 utility leaders across Oregon, asks for direct engagement with the Governor’s office to discuss the broader implications of changes to the Federal Columbia River Power System.
Consumer-owned utilities are seeking additional discussion around:
- Potential electricity rate impacts
- Regional reliability considerations
- How changes in hydropower operations could be addressed over the long term
The letter follows an earlier request sent in October 2025 asking for a seat at the table in conversations about the future of the Columbia River hydropower system.
About ORECA
The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association represents Oregon’s 18 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which collectively serve the geographic majority of the state and provide electricity to roughly 500,000 Oregonians. UEC is one of those member cooperatives.