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There is no question that now is the time for our region to act on acquiring new 

 resources to meet the region's growing demand for electricity. In fact, action is the 

 1991 Power Plan's theme. As we work to see that the plan is implemented, our goal is 

 to build a regional consensus for action. 



The plan calls for action in four broad fronts: acquiring all the low-cost 

 resources available, shortening the lead time it takes to acquire and fully develop 

 resources, confirming cost and availability of additional conservation and renewable 

 resources, and removing regulatory barriers to implementation. 



We are working to lead the region in promoting and implementing the plan 

 through aggressive oversight of the more than 80 activities it includes. In addition to 

 continuing to work closely with state regulatory agencies, utilities and local 

 governments, we are providing a regional forum for exchanging information on the 

 effectiveness of implementation actions. To this end, in 1992 we instituted a 

 conservation tracking program to monitor progress by the region's utilities and 

 Bonneville, and we publish an annual report on conservation acquisition. 



We are involved in all of the integrated resource planning efforts now under way 

 in the region, and we have sponsored conferences to bring together executives of the 

 region's major utilities and regulatory commissioners from the four states to share 

 experiences and expertise. We have noted a spirit of friendly competition at these 

 conferences, as utility executives tout their successes in delivering the benefits of 

 energy efficiency to their customers. 



Finally, we are preparing monthly and annual implementation reports, and we 

 welcome congressional oversight of implementation activities and the Council's work. 



These successes were possible, in large part, because the Council brought to 

 regional power planning a degree of public involvement that simply never existed 

 before. This is one of the Council's key strengths. The Act provides that the public be 

 given opportunities to present information and views to the Council before any major 

 decisions are made. The Council must regularly inform the public of its objectives, 

 organization and activities and conduct pubhc hearings in Oregon, Idaho, Montana and 

 Washington before adopting or amending the plan or program. 



Because of the Council's mandate in the Northwest Power Act, Northwest 

 electricity consumers have direct access to regional energy decision-makers and a 



