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2020 PNUCC

BREAKING NEWS

ANNUAL MEETING

Utilities also faced financial pressures, as Equity jumps into
businesses and industries shut down for the headlines
months during the initial stages of the Being creative with new
pandemic. Residential customers were using Spurred by racial justice protests that erupted
more electricity in the new stay-at-home programs, connecting quickly across the nation, utility leaders took up
environment, but not enough to offset the issue of diversity, equity and inclusion at
commercial and industrial declines. The with customers and giving PNUCC gatherings. They not only discussed
ideas for how to make utility workforces
changing dynamics of electricity use was immediate financial relief
explored in April when PNUCC called more diverse and equitable, but shared
together members’ load forecasters and provided peace of mind in personal stories and experiences with
racial injustice and discrimination. Many
economists to compare and share how loads trying times.
were differing from projections. In follow up expressed a desire to apply what they were
hearing to their own utilities.
webinars and at System Planning Committee
meetings, we dedicated time to examine the
extent of the economic downturn and
speculate when the economy, and hence
loads, would start to recover.
At the Board’s suggestion, PNUCC also
quickly organized a virtual forum on
“Re-engaging Customers in a COVID
Environment” in May. Many member utilities
shared how they were helping customers
as increased unemployment created new
financial challenges. Being creative with new
programs, connecting quickly with customers
and giving immediate financial relief provided
peace of mind in trying times. As the months
wore on, getting customers back on track
was a primary focus. These conversations
were carried into the summer meetings as
the Northwest began to see longer-term
impacts unfolding.
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