Oregon utilities prepare for demand spike from marijuana legalization

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Dive Brief:

  • Oregon's electric utilities are steeling themselves for an anticipated spike in demand after marijuana becomes legal for recreational use after July 1, Oregon Capital Insider reports.
  • Well-known as an energy hog when grown indoors, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) estimates four plants draw as much power as 29 refrigerators.
  • The state is considering efficiency measures, but federal money that typically pays utilities to convince consumers to use less cannot be directed towards cannabis operations..

Dive Insight:

Oregon has to decide how it will power the growth of legal marijuana, when laws allowing residents to grow up to four plants go into effect this summer. But marijuana's quasi-legal status — a few states have legalized it while the federal government has not — means utilities will not be able to offer efficiency measures which are typically paid for by federal funds.

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http://www.utilitydive.com/news/oregon-utilities-prepare-for-demand-spike-from-marijuana-legalization/391607/