205 



Currently, in our service territory alone, Clark County, Washington, the gas penetration 

 rate for new single family homes is 68%. Additionally, we estimate that there are 20 

 average megawatts of space heating and 50 average megawatts of water heating load that 

 can be cost effectively switched to natural gas. BPA should not be encouraging electric 

 consumption; however, we are concerned about proposing and supporting any new BPA 

 programs. Given a new contractual arrangement with BPA we could, without any further 

 involvement or financing by BPA, implement a program to achieve fuel switching levels 

 of this magnitude. 



Question 6: 



Has the Northwest Power Planning Council adequately exercised its responsibilities under 

 the Act in the resource acquisition field? Please describe the strengths and weaknesses 

 of the Council's activities related to resource acquisition. 



Answer 6: 



The Regional Power Council has, for the last several years, emphasized fish and wildlife 

 mitigation more than resource acquisition activities. It is important for the Council to 

 remember that BPA must be a competitive provider of electricity for the future of BPA 

 and for funding its programs. For that to occur, utilities must not only receive the 



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