The Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3628, which aims to establish the Oregon Electric Transmission Authority. This new authority is designed to enhance the state's electric transmission capacity, addressing the growing demand for electricity in Oregon.

Representative Mark Gamba, who introduced the bill, highlighted the urgent need for improved transmission infrastructure. He noted that electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest is projected to increase by 30% over the next decade, while Oregon's transmission system is nearing capacity. Currently, the state has one of the longest backlogs in the nation for connecting new generation projects to the grid, with 82 gigawatts of energy generation projects awaiting connection.

The proposed authority will not only identify and establish significant electricity transmission corridors but will also create an advisory council to address issues relevant to Oregon's Indian tribes. The bill mandates that certain electric utilities collect a non-bypassable transmission authority charge from all retail electricity consumers until 2032. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Energy will conduct a comprehensive review of the authority by 2030, with the authority set to sunset on January 2, 2032.

Gamba emphasized that the authority is intended to streamline the process of expanding transmission infrastructure without adding unnecessary bureaucracy. He expressed a collaborative approach, inviting stakeholders from various sectors, including energy producers, regulators, and consumer advocates, to work together on this critical issue.

Representative Boomer Wright also spoke in support of the bill, sharing his experiences from the work group that developed the legislation. He underscored the importance of organizing efforts to meet Oregon's energy needs effectively.

The committee meeting included testimony from over 30 individuals, reflecting a broad interest in the proposed changes to Oregon's energy infrastructure. The discussions underscored the significance of addressing transmission challenges to ensure reliable energy delivery for both urban and rural communities in the state.