Rehberg Again Moves to Prevent BPA Rate Hikes

Rehberg Again Moves to Prevent BPA Rate Hikes

Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is leading a bipartisan coalition of House members from Northwestern states to prevent the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from including provisions in its 2008 budget that would require the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to raise the rates it charges for electricity. A rate increase would impact 400,000 Montanans that rely on BPA for their power.

"Fighting to keep BPA's rates fair and reasonable has become an ongoing battle in Congress," said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "This is just another example of government bureaucracy not understanding the needs of western states. For the fourth time in a year, we're working to prevent a rate increase and I believe we'll be successful once again."

Proposals by OMB include a requirement mandating BPA sell its power to consumers and businesses at market-based rates and an accelerated debt payment plan for BPA, both of which would lead to rate increases. OMB is also proposing a change to accounting methods BPA uses for financing and loans, which would limit BPA's ability to seek additional financing and make capital investments.

"Plain and simple these proposals will result in rate hikes for Montana families and businesses," added Rehberg. "Ultimately, we need to protect those Montanans that rely on the BPA and we're going to do that."
BPA supplies 40 percent of the power used in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Rehberg is one of 18 members from those states attempting to block OMB's proposals.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/mt00_rehberg/111406_BPA.html