Bend conference brings renewable energy optimism

Imagine renewable sources accounting for over half the energy we consume. It’s actually not far off — by 2040, Oregon wants to reach that goal.

Along the way, there are some major steps to be taken, of course. For example, when new fossil fuel infrastructure or power plants are built, they usually come with a 20 or 30-year “economic horizon” to pay off the investment. Right now, those fossil fuel projects are almost paid off.

“It’s not a transition that’s going to happen overnight, but as we reach the sunset and pay off some of those investments at a quicker rate, we’ll be able to bring on some of those renewables,” Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board staff attorney Mike Goetz said Friday at the Go Clean Energy Conference in Bend.

The buildup to 2040 will be gradual, which Goetz said will allow sufficient time to plan for bringing renewables onto the grid while keeping ratepayers protected.

Despite the federal government’s apparent preference for fossil fuels like oil and coal, the community leaders at the conference Friday said they are confident progress for “green energy” will march on.

“This is happening now,” 350 Deschutes Director Diane Hodiak said. “We may not be hearing about it, but it’s going on, whether or not our government is behind it.”

Indeed, it is already happening. As the population of Oregon increases — at a rate much faster than most of the country — our energy consumption is actually going down. That’s because we’re becoming more efficient consumers by using more renewable sources of energy.