Washblog

That's because the rest of the nation won't feel particularly sorry for us as power rates in the Northwest are among the lowest in the country, and have been for years. Hydropower is efficient.

Still, energy prices are up. The prices in the Northwest might be less than they are in New York, California and Ohio, but they are still higher than they were. Paying more will be a strain on consumers and the Northwest economy. Boeing and those making aluminum are located in the Northwest because of its lower energy costs. If the prices goes up, they leave - perhaps out of the country.

``Energy prices are already through the roof,' said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. ``Now the administration is trying to squeeze extra dollars out of Northwest businesses and families, just when our economy can least afford it....I intend to fight this proposal at every opportunity.'

Cantwell will have help from others in the Washington and Oregon congressional delegations, including Republicans. Reps. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.; Greg Walden, R-Ore.; and Doc Hastings, R-Wash., made the same pledge as Cantwell as they termed the Bush plan ``a disguised rate increase.'

The Northwest should not be punished for being efficient. It should be encouraged.

Under the law, BPA has the authority to sell surplus power to customers inside and outside the Northwest. The revenue from surplus power sales is then used to lower electricity rates. The system works.

The law should not be changed. It ensures power is delivered at the best prices, which encourages efficiency.