Overview
What is Citizens Utility Board?
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to advocating for residential utility customers. As per the mandate set by Oregon voters in 1984, CUB represents the interests of these customers before administrative, judicial, and legislative bodies. With a focus on utility policy and regulation, CUB works to develop innovative solutions, empower consumers, and engage stakeholders in addressing issues that impact Oregonians. In 2022, CUB saved customers over $250 million through rate cases for various utility companies, including PGE, Pacific Power, Northwest Natural Gas, and Avista Utilities. They achieved this by reducing profit margins, halting unnecessary investments, and limiting executive compensation. Additionally, CUB held utilities accountable for providing affordable services, leading to reduced rate increases for PGE and Avista Utilities customers. Furthermore, CUB advocated for lowering subsidies for gas system expansion, eliminating promotional advertising costs, and cutting back on new gas pipeline investments by Cascade Natural Gas. They also played a significant role in creating low-income discount programs with various utility companies, providing savings to qualified customers. In terms of policy changes, CUB supported legislation to make cooling technologies more accessible for renters and low-income households. They also contributed to establishing holistic planning processes for electric transportation in Oregon, prioritizing serving vulnerable populations. Lastly, CUB successfully advocated for changes to Oregon's utility consumer protection rules, resulting in the elimination of late payment charges, prevention of shut-offs during extreme weather conditions, and reduced deposit requirements for low-income customers. They also secured agreements with PGE and NW Natural to eliminate deposits for all residential customers and new customers, respectively. Along with other efforts, CUB supported legislation to expand broadband investment for rural Oregon, bringing connectivity to underserved communities.
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Stars
The Citizens Utility Board has achieved an impressive 96% rating, indicating a strong commitment to accountability and finance. This score is particularly significant as it is derived entirely from the organization's performance in financial management, suggesting that they effectively allocate resources and maintain transparency in their operations. The nonprofit has demonstrated high standards in maintaining an independent board, with all members being independent, which enhances governance and oversight.
Financially, the Citizens Utility Board excels with a program expense ratio of 77.42%, showing that a substantial portion of its funding is directed toward its mission-related programs. Furthermore, the organization has no material diversion of assets, indicating robust financial integrity. Their proactive policies around conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, and document management further position them as a trustworthy entity within the nonprofit sector.
Despite the strong financial ratings, potential donors and supporters may want to observe how the organization addresses its outreach and programmatic impact, as the rating focuses solely on financial accountability. Overall, the Citizens Utility Board represents a well-managed nonprofit, with a focus on transparency and effective use of funds.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Citizens Utility Board legitimate?
Citizens Utility Board is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Citizens Utility Board submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $144,407
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $521,557
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
What is the mission statement of Citizens Utility Board?
The Citizens Utility Board, as directed by Oregon voters in 1984, represents the interests of Oregon's residential utility customers before administrative, judicial, and legislative bodies. It operates at the intersection of utility policy and regulation, working to develop innovative solutions, empower consumers, and engage stakeholders around utility issues that impact Oregonians. The organization's mission is centered around advocating for the rights and needs of residential utility consumers, with a focus on promoting fair policies and regulations.
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
Who is the CEO of Citizens Utility Board?
Robert Jenks is the Chair of Citizens Utility Board.
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
What is the revenue of Citizens Utility Board?
Citizens Utility Board's revenue in 2022 was $1,041,037.
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
Who are the executives of Citizens Utility Board and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Citizens Utility Board during 2022 was $55,497. There are 12 employees and 20 volunteers at Citizens Utility Board.
Here are 14 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $129,957
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- Other: $14,450
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Citizens Utility Board?
Citizens Utility Board's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.oregoncub.org
Learn more at the official website: www.oregoncub.org
Mission Statement of Citizens Utility Board
The Citizens Utility Board, as directed by Oregon voters in 1984, represents the interests of residential utility customers before administrative, judicial, and legislative bodies in Oregon. This nonprofit organization operates at the intersection of utility policy and regulation, working diligently to develop innovative solutions, empower consumers, and engage stakeholders around utility issues that impact Oregonians. By representing the voices of residential utility customers, the Citizens Utility Board advocates for policies that promote fairness, affordability, and sustainability in the energy sector.
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Impact
July, 2024
Citizens Utility Board's impact can be seen in the significant savings it has generated for Oregon residents. In 2022 alone, CUB saved customers more than $250 million through a series of rate cases for major utility companies. By reducing profit margins, stopping unnecessary investments, and eliminating oversized executive compensation, CUB has held utilities accountable for providing service at an affordable cost.
Specific achievements include cutting PGE's rate increase by $80 million, securing a rate decrease for Avista Utilities customers, and working to keep winter heating bills affordable for Northwest Natural Gas and Pacific Power customers. Moreover, CUB's advocacy has resulted in substantial reductions in subsidies for gas system expansion, saving NW Natural customers tens of millions of dollars, as well as eliminating unnecessary expenses like promotional advertising costs.
In addition, CUB has been instrumental in designing new low-income discount programs that provide significant savings on monthly energy bills for qualified customers across various utility companies. Through legislative support, CUB has made it easier for renters and low-income households to access cooling technologies, such as air conditioners and heat pumps, with millions allocated for emergency assistance.
Furthermore, CUB's efforts have influenced positive changes in Oregon's utility consumer protection rules, ending late payment charges for low-income customers, preventing shut-offs during extreme weather conditions, and eliminating deposits for low-income customers. By eliminating residential customer deposits with major utility companies, CUB has helped reduce barriers for vulnerable Oregonians in accessing essential services.
Lastly, CUB has played a key role in advocating for expanded broadband investment in rural Oregon, leading to new laws that will bring $157 million in federal funding to support broadband infrastructure and bill assistance for underserved households. Through these efforts, CUB has made a substantial impact in empowering consumers, driving innovation, and addressing utility issues that directly affect Oregonians.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Citizens Utility Board. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $220
- Gross Receipts: $1,061,350
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $772,770
- Total Liabilities: $221,716
- Net Assets: $551,054
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1986
Phone
(503) 227-1984Principal Officer
Robert Jenks
Main Address
610 SW BROADWAY 400, PORTLAND, OR, 97205
Website
www.oregoncub.orgNTEE Category
Code: W20 - Public benefit
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