Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 29, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement from Gov. Gary Locke on BPA rate increases

"I think the Bonneville Power Administration has acted responsibly under
very difficult circumstances. As so many Washington citizens and businesses
are struggling in the face of higher electricity bills, the fact that the
increases weren't significantly higher is encouraging.

"I believe the increase was limited because of the willingness of BPA
customers to conserve electricity. We owe a debt of thanks to their
customers for working with BPA in the region's interest.

"After reviewing all the proposed rate structures, our Office of Financial
Management and energy policy office recently concluded that the path BPA has
taken is fair to both the industry and to residential and commercial
consumers in the Northwest.

"I am hopeful that our efforts to conserve energy, increase supply, and push
the federal government to fix the broken wholesale market are starting to
bear fruit. By continuing these sound policies, we can help bring energy
prices down and get all our region's industries working again."

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Related Links:
- Bonneville Power Administration

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