Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle City Council Member Mike O'Brien, Chair of the Council's Energy & Environment Committee, and the City Light Review Panel are seeking public input about setting a course for the future of City Light. Since early 2010 the utility has been developing a six-year strategic plan with guidance and input from the Review Panel. From May through August of 2011 extensive public outreach took place - including numerous community and stakeholder meetings, focus groups, online surveys, a telephone survey, and employee meetings.
Out of those broad discussions about City Light's key strategic objectives came a series of specific initiatives with possible rate impacts. These initiatives served as the foundation for the draft plan that is available to the public now.
It is anticipated that a recommended six-year strategic plan will go to the Council for action some time in May 2012.
City Light is customer-owned. That means customers have the opportunity to give their opinion about how they envision service from their electric utility should be delivered. Now, more than 100 years after its start, the utility faces some monumental decisions about
- Infrastructure investments
- Energy efficiency
- Alternative energy
- Rates
- Reliability
- Technology
The utility is known for its leadership on conservation and environmental stewardship. City Light has relied on energy efficiency for more than 30 years as part of its power resources.
Likewise, the utility has taken the lead on reducing the impacts of its operations on climate change. In 2005 City Light was the first utility in the country to be carbon neutral. But should we continue aggressive pursuit of new renewable energy sources? If so, what should our emphasis be?
Our system is more than 100 years old. There is equipment in place that is more than 80 years old. It likely has exceeded its useful life. The utility has made great strides to inventory and categorize its billions of dollars of infrastructure and to rigorous begin a system of maintenance, repair, and/or replacement. Yet, a replacement schedule has to be adequately funded.
Customers want rate stability and rate predictability. How can we ensure our legacy of low-cost rates and make the necessary investments in an aging infrastructure?
These questions and more will be discussed by the City Council. Customers still have a chance to weigh in on what they would like to see for the future of their utility. You can make your thoughts known to the Energy & Environment Committee, chaired by Councilmember Mike O'Brien - mike.o'brien@seattle.gov. You also can provide us with your comments in the box provided below.
News Coverage
Seattle Times
Mayor to propose Seattle City Light rate increase of 31% over 6 years
Mayor, business groups disagree on effect of higher electrical rates
Q13 Fox News
McGinn proposes 28% increase to Seattle City Light rates over 6 years
One News
Mayor to propose Seattle City Light rate increase of 28% over 6 years
KOMO
Monday: City Light releases plan to raise customer rates
McGinn proposes 31-percent Seattle City Light rate hike
KPLU
McGinn defends City Light plan to raise utility's rates
KING5
Mayor proposes Seattle City Light rate increase over 6 years
KIRO
McGinn proposing big hikes for City Light customers
Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle power rate hike could sting Nucor steel plant
KUOW
Electricity Rate Increases, European Elections, Jailhouse Nutrition Science
West Seattle Herald
Report: Seattle electricity rate increase could force Nucor steel plant to move
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
McGinn: City Light 32% rate hike over 6 years not ‘politics as usual’
If you would like to share your thoughts about the strategic plan, please do.
If you would like a response, be sure and include your email address. Thank you.
|
2/21/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A City Council
3/12/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A Key Customers
3/19/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A Environmental Stakeholders
3/19/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A NewHolly
3/20/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A Northgate Community Center
3/22/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Great City - Urban Environments
3/28/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A Neighborhood Businesses/Chambers of Commerce
4/2/2012 -
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Outreach Q&A Franchise Cities - Burien
5/11/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Key Customers Outreach Forum
5/23/2011
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Community Based Organizations Outreach Forum
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Date: Monday, 5/23/2011
Place: Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4050
Address: 700 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
5/26/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Environmental Groups Outreach Forum
6/8/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Business Community Outreach Forum
6/9/2011
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Public Outreach Forum I (North end)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Date: Thursday, 6/9/2011
Place: Northgate Community Center
Address: 10510 5th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA 98125
6/13/2011
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Public Outreach Forum II (South end)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Date: Monday, 6/13/2011
Place: Seattle Community College - Georgetown campus
Address: 6737 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
6/14/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
First Hill & Hospitals
6/15/2011 Cancelled
Seattle City Light Strategic Plan Municipal Customers Outreach Forum
6/21/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
Emerald Cities
7/12/2011 - Outreach Session Summary
Municipal Customers
|
