NEET Update #1 – April 28, 2008

Executive Committee Members:

Once again, thanks for agreeing to serve on the Northwest Energy Efficiency Taskforce (NEET). Darby Collins (BPA) and I will be working together to organize and facilitate the Taskforce effort. If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact myself ( (541) 863-8863)) or Darby ( (503-230-3811)).

The Taskforce is structured as a regional leadership group representing the broad array of interests in Northwest energy efficiency. The Taskforce’s goals are to explore opportunities to foster greater regional collaboration in our energy efficiency efforts; to share and learn from current energy efficiency experiences; and, to raise the general awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is to make the region’s energy efficiency efforts as productive and efficient as possible.

We are mindful that other processes in the region are also dealing with some aspects of energy efficiency. These include the Council’s 6th Power Plan process, the role of BPA in energy efficiency post-2011, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) strategic planning process and Oregon’s Energy Efficiency Working Group. Since there is substantial member overlap among all of these processes, we will be diligent in interacting with these other efforts so as to minimize overlap or duplication.

As mentioned in the Co-Chairs’ letter, we have tentatively scheduled our first meeting for June 18th. Darby is working to finalize that date. Even though June 18th may not fit the schedules for all Executive Committee members, we want to structure a process that will allow everyone to have ample opportunity for input. While we have a number of tasks for our June 18th meeting, one of our key tasks will be the development and approval of a work plan for the Technical Work Group. Between now and June 18th we will seek your input and suggestions on priority issues for this work plan.

As we begin this effort, I would also appreciate some feedback from the Executive Committee members on several issues. First, what type of background information on energy efficiency would you find beneficial or that you think would be beneficial to other Executive Committee members? Second, are there specific ideas or concepts that you would like to see developed through the Task Force process? Third, do email updates, such as this one, work for the Executive Committee members?

I welcome your comments and input.

Thanks,

Ken Canon