At a January public meeting, Oregon public power utility Eugene Water and Electric Board adopted a new set of organizational goals for 2026, providing direction for its work priorities in the year ahead.
The goals, adopted by EWEB’s five-member elected Board of Commissioners, reflect EWEB’s ongoing commitment to reliable utility services, thoughtful energy planning, and strong support for our community, while recognizing the complex and changing environment, the utility noted.
“From regulatory and economic pressures, to changing customer expectations, the water and electric utility industries are in a time of massive transformation,” said EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson. “We need to anticipate and adapt to this volatile landscape while staying focused on core operational performance so that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable services no matter the conditions.”
Priorities for 2026
The 2026 goals align EWEB’s long-term strategic plan with its annual work plans and performance measures to support transparency, accountability, and consistent progress.
Key focus areas for 2026 include:
Strengthening Core Services and Strategy
EWEB will continue refining how it plans, prioritizes, and tracks its work. This includes using performance metrics and quarterly reporting to ensure strong operational performance, informed decision-making, and transparent accountability to the community.
Enhancing Support for Customers
Improving the design and delivery of limited-income support programs is a key priority for 2026. This work includes bill assistance, customer engagement, and energy efficiency offerings to help ensure electricity and water services remain affordable and accessible.
Preparedness, Reliability, and Communication
EWEB is focused on strengthening how it prepares for and responds to service disruptions. Improvements to tools, systems, and customer communications will support clearer, more timely information during outages and emergencies.
Data, Asset Management, and Technology
Technology investments will strengthen how EWEB manages information, maintain core infrastructure, and use data to guide decisions.
Energy Planning and Long-term Power Strategy
In 2026, EWEB will advance long-range electric planning by developing a comprehensive electric transmission and distribution plan and preparing for future energy supply changes. This work supports system reliability, regulatory compliance, and thoughtful planning for evolving energy needs.
Workforce Development
"To support our people and long-term success, EWEB will launch a leadership development program, continue labor negotiations, and focus on workforce planning that supports safety, knowledge retention, and long-term organizational stability," EWEB said.
During the discussion of 2026 goals, EWEB Commissioners also acknowledged Lawson’s pending retirement. The Board is currently in the process of recruiting his replacement.
Commissioners emphasized that the 2026 organizational goals represent the Board’s direction for the utility, independent of the upcoming leadership transition.
Regardless of who serves as general manager moving forward, the goals are intended to guide EWEB’s work and priorities, and any future adjustments would be brought back to the Board for consideration, EWEB noted.
