The Oregon Public Utility Commission announced Jan. 17 its rejection of PacifiCorp’s proposal to seek bids to build two conventional coal plants in Utah and Wyoming.

PacifiCorp overstated its expected six-year increase in electricity demand, according to a statement released by the commission. In addition, the commission claimed the proposal was inconsistent with PacifiCorp's earlier commitment to consider energy-efficiency, renewable energy and short-term power purchases to meet increased demand for electricity, primarily in Utah.

“In its Request for Proposals we expected PacifiCorp to fully explore strategies that would allow the company to delay a commitment for a big new central generating plant,” commission chairman Lee Beyer said.  “It didn’t do that. We simply cannot conclude, based on the information provided to us, that it is reasonable for PacifiCorp to make a commitment of this magnitude without further study.”

A number of consumer groups opposed of the proposal because of a growing concern over the effects of coal plant emissions on climate change.

PacifiCorp, which is based in Portland, but has offices in Salt Lake City, was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway's MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. (NYSE: BRK-B) in March 2006. Serving nearly 1.6 million customers, PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. The company has the option to revise its plant and present a new one to the commission.