Steam utility transition plan
Faced with rising costs, an eroding customer base and an inefficient distribution system, EWEB is beginning the
process of shutting down its steam utility.
After several years of study, EWEB's Board of Commissioners adopted a policy in 2008 which mandates that the
transition out of the steam utility will be completed in a manner that is:
- Socially responsive
- Environmentally and financially responsible
- To the fullest extent possible, balances the considerations of steam customers, the downtown community,
the community at large and EWEB's electric utility interests
Learn more about who is a current steam customer and why EWEB is transitioning from steam to
alternative fuels.
To ease the transition for steam customers, EWEB partnered with the Oregon Department of
Energy to fund an engineering study of all steam customer facilities. Check back frequently for
updates about the status of final reports for each building.
See a list of professionals that are interested in helping steam customers transition
to an alternative heating system before EWEB's steam system shuts down in June 2012.
Read a list of requirements for becoming a member of the Steam Conversion Professional
Network and learn how to join.
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1962
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EWEB enters the steam business after acquiring the system from a private operator
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1990
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Major customer Chase Gardens leaves the steam system in favor of an alternative fuel
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1994
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Steam utility converts from hog fuel supplied by local mills to natural gas boilers
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1998
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Agripac closes, resulting in the loss of a second major steam customer
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January 2008
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EWEB's Board of Commissioners tasks the General Manager with developing a long-range plan for
steam utility
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August 2008
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Letter and survey sent to current steam utility customers
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September 2008
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EWEB Board approves Steam Utility Transition Policy
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October 2008
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Letter sent to steam utility customers; Staff compiles customer input
and incorporates that feedback into the plan
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December 2008
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Board approves Steam Utility Transition Plan
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June 2009
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RFP for engineering firm to conduct alternative source analysis and develop estimates on
customer conversion costs
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August 2009
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EWEB Board awards
McKinstry a contract to conduct an engineering study of all steam customer
facilities
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2010-12
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EWEB steam customers to transition off system
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2012
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Three-year steam delivery contract with PeaceHealth expires
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- De-Commissioning Fund: Essential Component of Steam Transition Plan
(March 17, 2010)
- Update on Steam Utility Transition Plan – McKinstry to Begin Building Site Assessments
(August 27, 2009)
- Letter to Steam Customers with Update on Transition Plan
(June 5, 2009)
- Staff Assessment of Northwest Neighborhood Energy's District Heating Study
Concept
(May 14, 2009)
- Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit Application for Preliminary Certification for
Conservation Projects
(Jan. 14, 2009)
- Steam Utility Transition Plan –
Requested Board Action
(Dec. 10, 2008)
- Steam Utility Transition Plan Board Presentation
(Oct. 7, 2008)
- Letter to Steam Customers
(Oct. 1, 2008)
- Steam Utility Transition Plan
Outline Discussion Draft
(Sept. 30, 2008)
- Steam Utility Transition
Policy SD18 and Resolution No. 0826
(Sept. 16, 2008)
- Steam Utility Transition Plan Board Presentation
(Sept. 2, 2008)
- Steam Utility Transition Plan
– Background Information and Draft Policy
(Aug. 26, 2008)
Send us an email with your questions or comments regarding the steam utility transition plan.