Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the administration’s plan included in its 2006 Budget Proposal to increase the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) power rates until they are similar to rates being charged in national power markets. Such action could double the Northwest energy rates.

The BPA supplies around 70 percent of the electricity consumed in Washington state. The power is currently sold at cost, not at market-based rates.

“Energy-dependent businesses like Intalco are still struggling to weather current Northwest energy rates. The BPA’s rate stability is the only reason aluminum smelters like Intalco can survive in the Northwest economy.

“When the BPA reduced its power rates by 7.5 percent last October, the Northwest economy gained $123 million in annual revenue. Imagine what damage 20 percent hikes could do to our businesses and consumers.

“This issue goes beyond Intalco. This administration’s budget will push the Northwest economy off a cliff. And we won’t let that happen.

“Congressional delegations from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana must join together to fight this rate increase with one voice.

“The stakes are high. With jobs like those at Ferndale’s Intalco plant on the line, we absolutely must stop these rate increases and secure short and long term rate relief for the Pacific Northwest.”