IRPs are a cyclical process. The graphic below shows the general format of how this works.  

 

At NW Natural, the IRP begins with internal coordination. In addition to complying with IRP requirements, we also determine what new analyses, processes, policies, etc. should be incorporated into the new plan. If a commission has required us to incorporate new analysis or processes from the last commission decision, these are also taken into consideration during development. There are two main components within IRPs: process and analysis. 

 

The IRP Process Diagram below shows how an IRP is constructed, as well as the analysis that ultimately shapes NW Natural’s near-term decisions or “action plan.” The analysis is based on technical and detailed modeling. Considerations in modeling analysis include the energy needs of our customers, energy supply resource options, policy requirements, and many more. 

IRP Analysis Process Diagram 

 

 

There are two parts of the Process phase of the IRP. They are referred to as utility-led and commission-led; or ‘informal’ and ‘formal’ in some stakeholder processes. The goals of these processes are to:

During the development of an IRP, NW Natural is responsible for creating and leading the informal stakeholder engagement process. NW Natural has taken steps to improve our public outreach and engagement over previous IRP cycles. For the 2025 IRP we have incorporated new engagement opportunities such as the Winter Preparedness Fair and a Public Engagement Webinars. For more information, please click ‘Get Involved’.  

 

Once an IRP is filed, each state has different processes for their formal public engagement, which is led by the utility commissions. NW Natural is regulated by both Oregon and Washington utility commissions. In addition to information on our company website, the OPUC and the WUTC have content pertinent to IRPs as well as to each utility they regulate. 

In Oregon, the commission staff lead a formal process that opens an official docket at the OPUC (hosted via web portal) and develops a procedural schedule which includes multiple rounds of comments and responses between NW Natural and interested parties. Comments are opportunities for the public to submit written feedback to the commission. Comments provided during this formal process are posted to the docket and made publicly available. These meetings are open to the public; oral feedback may also be delivered to the Commission during these meetings.

In Washington, an official docket is opened upon filing a workplan. This occurs before the utility-led informal public engagement process begins and includes the expected topics and dates of public engagement. Similar to Oregon, comment periods and public meetings are opportunities for the public to provide feedback on NW Natural’s IRP directly to the commission.