Marketing Electricity to Industrial Consumers: A Study of Pacific Northwest Industries

摘要

Purpose of this study is to examine factors relating to electricity use by the high energy-use industry groups of the Pacific Northwest (primary metals, chemical products, pulp and paper products, wood products, irrigated agriculture, and food products) from several perspectives. The slowdown in US economic growth is examined in the context of a review of trends in the US manufacturing sector. A cross-regional analysis is provided to give perspective on how the Pacific Northwest compares to other US regions with respect to employment levels, industrial output, and regional and industrial energy use. Economic growth projections for the Pacific Northwest are reviewed. The utility perspective focuses on electricity costs as a factor influencing new industrial growth in the region. The perception by economic development agencies of the importance of electricity rates as a factor promoting regional growth is documented. Electricity marketing efforts implemented by BPA and other utilities are reviewed. Recent production and employment trends for selected high energy-use industrial groups in the Pacific Northwest are documented. Response to electricity rates within the high electricity-use industry groups is examined. (ERA citation 11:038111)