Holly Zhang – C

Challenger Zhang was an enthusiastic participant in our candidate interview.  Her low scores reflect the fact that she still has much to learn about energy and environmental policies.

Here are Zhang’s transcribed and graded answers to each of our questions.

1. Should city government be more involved in energy project planning beyond land use?

(see full question)

As you may know, CENSE was formed to raise critical questions about energy projects that affect neighborhoods in Eastside cities. We are concerned that city governments have very little say about these projects other than the narrow question of whether they comply with land use codes. At a time when citizens are concerned about reliable electricity, environmental impacts, preservation of neighborhoods, and energy costs, should city governments be more involved in energy projects? What specific ideas about energy planning would you bring to our city?

Grade: C

The City of Bellevue should provide more information for any projects they are going to do and be more transparent. So I do [agree].

And also, get some more information about whether we need to pursue this project. I’ve heard they [PSE and Energize Eastside] are going to get some pretty big profits.

I do think we need to be more specific, what you do for a project, and then whether it is really necessary to spend that much money on the project.

2. Do flat forecasts for electricity demand have policy implications?

(see full question)

City Light's normal peak and retail load forecast

Utilities like Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, and Snohomish County PUD are all forecasting flat or declining consumption of electricity for at least the next decade. These forecasts and Washington’s mandate to transition to a cleaner energy grid have implications for power planning. How might they influence your input to policies implemented at the city level?

Grade: B-

If I understood the question, it seems like according to these PUDs, electricity usage can decline and we’re not short of power.

You know, for me as a city council member, if we’re not really going to overuse our electricity in the city, why should we spend the money? And why don’t we use that money effectively in some other area?

3. Any ideas about negotiating a better energy project for East Bellevue?

(see full question)

One of PSE’s projects that has caused great anguish in East Bellevue is the proposed Lake Hills/Phantom Lake Transmission Line, which will destroy 300 trees on 148th Avenue and NE 8th Street. This project was unanimously rejected by the East Bellevue Community Council and is strongly opposed by the Lake Hills Neighborhood Association. And yet, the Bellevue City Council approved the permit. What are your ideas for negotiating a better solution with the company?

Grade: C+

You know, personally I love trees. I mean In China, there are almost no trees. I love this area.  The green really makes our air clean and pretty and it just feels comfortable.

I think we can use a better way to solve the problems without those big power lines and the cutting of trees. Maybe we can work on a better solution.

4. What do you think about having a public energy provider?

(see full question)

PSE is owned by foreign investors, and we worry that the company is more focused on increasing revenues for their distant owners than paying attention to local community values and environmental issues. One way to increase the transparency and accountability of our energy utility would be to transition to a public utility, like those that serve Seattle, Tacoma, and Snohomish County. There may be a referendum about this on the 2020 ballot. What is your assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of a private utility? Would you support a PUD?

Grade: B-

If a private utility company treats projects like a business and spends our taxpayers’ money, and also if it’s not really necessary, I’m not going to support [that behavior].

And I think we need to have transparency and make sure: Is this project in the city really for a business or some private company’s interest, or is it really good for the public?

I think I would support a PUD.  If they have good data to approve [it], maybe there are some kinds of projects where we don’t really need to waste our taxpayers’ money, and I would support that.