Two events that came in after we sent the Newsletter:

PSE RATE INCREASE LETTER

Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Public Counsel Unit is challenging rate increases proposed by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) in testimony filed with the Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC). PSE is requesting significant rate increases. Starting in January, over three years, they are looking to raise electric rates by $405 million, and gas rates by $215 million. That’s an increase of about $16 per month for electric customers and $12 per month for gas to the average bill.

The Attorney General’s Public Counsel Unit represents the public and opposes rate increases that are not “fair, just, and reasonable.” When it finds that to be the case, it files expert testimony with the UTC, asserting that the utilities have not justified the extent of the rate increases they request. Among other issues, the AGO’s experts determined that PSE included higher profit margins in their proposals than were justified. PSE is asking to increase its profit to nearly 10 percent, which the AGO’s experts determined is too high.

The UTC will host virtual public comment hearings on the case. If you would like to let the UTC know your thoughts, you may participate in the public comment hearings or submit comments to the Commission. The public comment hearing will be at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28. Participation can be through Zoom or phone. The Zoom link and phone participation information can be found on the UTC website.

Comments may also be sent to the Commission by email at [email protected], by mail at P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504, or by phone at 888-333-9882 (toll-free).

☎ Sample Script: (please edit to personalize)

Hello, my name is [NAME] and I am a resident of [CITY]. I am calling/writing to express my opposition to PSE’s proposed increase in utility rates, beginning in 2023. At a time when consumers are struggling with inflation and higher prices for essential goods and services, it is unfair to impose larger than needed increases for their utilities. Adding an average of about $16 per month for electricity and $12 per month for gas to the average bill is not “fair, just and reasonable”, and will pose a hardship for many people.

I urge the UTC to consider the welfare of Washington residents and not approve this rate increase.

Thank you.

[NAME]

[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]

SEATTLE CRUISE SHIPS CAMPAIGN

Pulling Back the Curtain on Cruise: Greenwashing at the Port of Seattle

Join Seattle Cruise Control on the evening of Thursday August 25th, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, as we expose the greenwashing behind the Port's approach to its cruise business.

Greenwashing means creating a false image of being environmentally friendly by making misleading claims, and taking credit for small positive steps while hiding negative impacts.

Cruising is one of the most destructive, polluting, and exploitative industries in the world, harming climate, air, oceans, public health, workers, and port communities.

Dig in with us as we pull back the curtain on the Port's Green Cruise Corridor and its recent "Cruise Study Session" - an exercise in public relations that could have come directly from the cruise lines themselves. The presentation will be followed by Q&A, discussion, and ways to take action. Register here!

We need the Port to serve the public, not the cruise industry.

Ready to take action?

Send a message to Seattle Port Commissioners

We hope to see you on the 25th!

Seattle Cruise Control

P.S. The recording of the webinar will be emailed to all who register.

Want to get involved? - Fill out our volunteer form!