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Local business and civic groups urge data‑driven approach on electrification; council schedules work session
Summary
Multiple business and economic development representatives urged council to consider affordability, grid capacity and phased incentives rather than fees when the city considers electrification policy; council confirmed an upcoming work session to evaluate options.
Several local business and economic groups used the council’s visitor section on Oct. 1 to urge a measured approach to a proposed electrification policy the city will discuss in a forthcoming work session.
Don Miles, Bend area director for Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), told council that employers are concerned an all‑electric requirement for new residential construction could raise housing costs, strain the power grid and hurt Bend’s ability to attract and retain businesses. He said EDCO favors careful evaluation and recommended outreach, education and coordination across advisory bodies rather than immediate fees.
Sarah Odenpaugh, interim CEO and president of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber supports climate goals but urged the council to balance those goals with affordability, reliability and economic vitality. She noted polling previously shared with council showing voter opposition to fees on natural gas appliances and called for innovation and evaluation of pilot projects already under way in the community.
James Teeter of Bend Bikes supported specific planned pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements (RRFB flashing beacons) at several crossings and highlighted national evidence that such devices reduce pedestrian crashes; he called for attention to two‑lane “double threat” crossings where sight lines and multiple lanes can remain hazardous even with beacons.
Councilors and staff confirmed the electrification policy will be the subject of an upcoming work session; staff and commenters asked for data on grid capacity, housing cost impacts and pilot programs (for example, a Cascade Natural Gas dual‑fuel heat‑pump pilot referenced by commenters) to be part of staff’s analysis.
Why this matters: commenters asked council to weigh housing affordability and economic development impacts alongside climate objectives and to ensure any program does not unintentionally raise costs for construction or reduce energy reliability.
