LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Discussing the Future of Clean Energy at The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Forum Forum with Jason Thackston, Chief Strategy and Clean Energy Officer, Avista Sponsored by: Avista Utilities Seasonal Sponsor: The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians P roviding safe, reliable and clean energy is a top priority for Avista, and a main focus of their future endeavors. During the October Forum, Jason
While working toward those goals, he explained Avista will maintain their focus on reliability and affordability, as those factors are imperative to their customers. However, new technologies to address these issues must emerge in order for Avista to achieve their goals. According to Thackston, Avista believes natural gas is an
Thackston, Chief Strategy and Clean Energy Officer with Avista, presented information about national and regional energy resources, sector trends, de-carbonization of natural
gas, and renewable natural gas supply opportunities. During his presentation,
important part of a clean energy future. In the right applications, direct use of natural gas is the best use. Additionally, Thackston said that moving to full electrification may
Thackston discussed the Utility Generation
Balancing Act, and how it is a delicate balance between
providing energy that is reliable, clean and affordable. “Avista’s goal is to serve our customers with 100% clean electricity by 2045 and have a carbon-neutral supply of electricity by the end of 2027,” he said.
lead to some unintended consequences. These could include creating new needs which may increase a carbon footprint; driving new investment in electric distribution infrastructure, causing bill pressure; and customers bearing
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The Business Review | October 2022
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