As the leaves begin to turn, CETI is also experiencing changes. We wrapped up our work with Richa Nevatia this month, our wonderful Summer Communications Intern. In addition to producing incredible infographics (coming soon!), Richa developed an interactive map that highlights CETI’s impact in the Northwest since its inception. We thank her deeply for all she contributed during her time with us and wish her all the best as she enters the final year of the University of Washington’s Communication Leadership Master’s Program.

As our time with Richa came to an end, we welcomed Robb Davis as the newest member of the CETI Board of Directors. Robb is a Senior Director of Development for GridLiance, a NextEra Energy Transmission Company, and he previously worked for the Bonneville Power Administration and the Chelan County Public Utility District. We are excited for the experience and perspective that Robb will bring to our growing Board.

September also marked the beginning of CETI’s work with Sapna Sapori with whom we will be deepening our understanding of what we mean by accelerating an equitable clean energy transition in the Northwest and how to create an inclusive culture at CETI.

Finally, I am excited to announce that we are beginning the search for a Deputy Director, who we hope to be able to bring on by 2025. Please spread the word far and wide about this opportunity to join the growing CETI team.

Eileen V. Quigley
Executive Director

Featured Report: Expanded Northwest Clean Energy Atlas Equity Maps

This month, CETI expanded the equity maps on the Northwest Clean Energy Atlas to include data for all four Northwest states. The maps, created by Research Fellow Mariah Caballero, explore relationships between energy inequities and other socioeconomic indicators across communities. Check them out: 

• Poverty and Energy Burden
• Access to Internet and Personal Vehicles
• Manufactured Housing and Energy Burden
• Weatherization Assistance Program Eligible Households
• IRA Prioritization and Homeownership
  

Program Updates:

Washington Pathways Emissions Modeling

CETI and Evolved Energy Research are partnering on a project for the Washington Departments of Ecology and Commerce to model various greenhouse gas emissions scenarios to meet Washington’s emission reduction targets. The work supports the state’s Comprehensive Climate Action Planning (CCAP) requirements for the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). The project is exciting and fun, given that we now have four years of modeling for the state to build on.

WestTEC

The Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) reached a major milestone at the end of August with the approval of a final study plan. WestTEC aims to create an actionable transmission plan that would support the needs of a future energy grid in the western United States. As Research Analyst Jeanne Currie wrote in a blog this summer, transmission is a key part of maintaining reliability and affordability, as well as integrating new clean resources to the grid.

CETI is part of the Regional Engagement Committee, which is now shifting attention to scenario building. CETI will join the next all-committee meeting in Salt Lake City to finalize the list of drivers.

Refinery Study

CETI is supporting Western Washington University’s (WWU) Center for Economic and Business and Research on a Washington Refinery Study for the Department of Commerce. The draft report will be shared in the next few weeks with Advisory Committee members.

Oregon Energy Strategy 

CETI is continuing to support the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) with technical analysis to inform the Oregon Energy Strategy. Last week, ODOE presented a public webinar (recording available on their website) to provide an overview of the modeling approach, final input assumptions for the Reference Scenario, and proposed alternative scenarios to model. CETI and modeling partner Evolved Energy Research are now in the process of energy pathways modeling and complementary environmental justice- and equity-focused analyses.

Demystifying Decarbonization: Northwest Electricity Markets

In a two-part blog series, Research Analyst Jeanne Currie demystifies electricity markets, exploring different types of market structures and the two day-ahead market options that Northwest utilities are exploring.

• An Intro to Electricity Markets for the Northwest
• The Northwest’s Path to a Day-Ahead Market

Stay Tuned… Fall Clean Energy Conferences

CETI will be attending two exciting conferences in the coming months, and we would love to see you there:

• ‍2024 Solar Summit - Illuminating the Future: Solar's Crucial Role in the Clean Energy Transition: Hosted by Solar Washington since 2015, the Washington State Solar Summit is an important annual information-gathering and networking event for solar industry actors. CETI Research Analyst Ruby Moore-Bloom will participate in a panel on decarbonization and electrification alongside speakers representing McKinstry and Rewiring America.
  • Shoreline Community College - Friday, October 4, 2024. Learn more and register.

• ‍Clean and Affordable Energy Conference: CETI is excited to be a sponsor of the Northwest Energy Coalition’s fall conference where panelists will discuss how to support energy affordability as we invest in upgrades to decarbonize our economy; the opportunities for advancing Tribal energy projects; and the movement to connect the West in an independently governed energy market.
  • University of Washington Husky Union Building – Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Learn more and register.    

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