Utilities To Host Talk On Rising Power Prices
Surging power rates and the growing strain on the region’s electrical grid will be explored at a meeting Thursday of public utility district officials from throughout the area.
The workshop - “Price Spikes and the Northwest Electric System” - is 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the WestCoast Grand Hotel at the Park. It is sponsored by the Washington Public Utility Districts Association.
One highlight is a panel discussion of current problems in California, where deregulation is being blamed for residential power bills that have doubled in some cases. Dick Watson of the Northwest Power Planning Council will lead a panel offering insights on “The Northwest Experience.”
Another presentation will cover “The 1992 Energy Policy Act and Wholesale Deregulation.”
“The PUD Association workshop will help develop our understanding of what is happening in the electricity industry and prepare us to position ourselves to deal with it,” said Steve Johnson, association executive director.
Cost of the workshop is $50, including meals. For more information, visit the association’s Web site at http://www.wpuda.org.
In other events this week:
Tuesday
The Project Management Monthly Forum, presented by the Inland Northwest Project Management Institute, will feature a tour of the BFGoodrich plant, 11135 W. Westbow Lane, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call Brian Nelson at 744-6007 or Katharyn Getchell at 747-8031.
* U.S. Labor Department reports second-quarter productivity and costs.
Wednesday
Qwest Dex presents a free seminar for small businesses on “How to Create an Effective Web Presence” at 9:30 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. at the Quality Inn Valley Suites, 8923 E. Mission. To register, call 922-1026 or 1 (800) 757-9274.
* More than 180 employers, schools and organizations will be represented at the 10th Annual Northwest Career, Job & Education Expo, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall in Seattle. Admission is free. For more information, call Sharon at (253) 884-3407 or visit http://www.nwcareerexpo.com.
* Federal Reserve releases survey of regional economic conditions.
Friday
Candidates for strong mayor will discuss their visions for Spokane at a Good Morning Spokane Area gathering presented by Paramount Lodging from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the WestCoast Ridpath Hotel, 515 W. Sprague. For information, call 459-4105.
* Labor Department reports on producer price index and Commerce Department reports on retail sales, both for July.
This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF He’s on a Qwest
Forbes, Aug. 7: Qwest Communications CEO Joseph Nacchio won the battle for US West, and a cover story outlines how he plans to turn the combined company into “one of the leading broadband Internet communications companies - globally.”
Business Week, Aug. 7: Democrats and Republicans are reshaping their doctrines in this year’s presidential campaign to appeal to “new economy” workers, a feature says.