Ann Donnelly’s claim (“Restore partnership with NW Natural Gas,” The Columbian, April 2) that the local gas utility was removed as a partner from the city of Vancouver’s Climate Action Framework on Dec. 5, 2022 is not true. NW Natural was mistakenly listed as a partner in just two actions it can’t do: provide incentives for electrification of existing homes and commercial buildings. NW Natural continues as a partner in other actions where the partnership makes sense. There is nothing to “restore” here.
As a longtime energy consultant with strong ties to the fossil-fuel industry, it is no surprise seeing such a blatant hard sell for the gas industry. Donnelly ignores the fact that smart builders in Vancouver are already building all-electric even ahead of the building code updates (which, contrary to claims, do not ban gas or propane use in the home). She worries about “economic hardship” but neglects mentioning that our gas rates are jumping 20 percent this year alone while our electricity rates hold steady.
Let’s not put interests of a for-profit company ahead of well-researched and analyzed efforts to help residents save money, improve community health, and better guarantee long-term energy security.
