Eric Dziura for EWEB
My name is Eric Dziura, and I am a candidate for the EWEB Board of Commissioners At-Large position.
One of the many things that makes Eugene a great place to live, raise a family, and run a business is that our drinking water and electric power are provided by a publicly owned utility—governed by an elected five-member Board that answers to the people of Eugene, not to corporate shareholders.
The Board oversees a combined utility that provides water to more than 200,000 people and electricity to 60,000 customers, employs hundreds of dedicated workers, manages an extensive service territory, and operates with an annual budget of approximately $490 million.
As your EWEB Commissioner, I will work to:
- Keep electricity and water affordable and equitable
- Advance climate-responsible and environmentally sound practices
- Ensure long-term reliability and resilience of our systems
- Promote open, transparent, and accountable governance
Above all, I will never forget that I work for the people of Eugene.
About Eric
I have served my country and my community for more than four decades.
I served 21 years in the U.S. Army and Navy as an electronics technician, Naval Flight Officer, U.S. Naval Academy lecturer in mechanical engineering, and command-and-control specialist. I then spent 21 years teaching at public universities, colleges, and community colleges in Washington and Oregon.
My academic background includes a BS in Applied Science and MS degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. At the University of Washington, I conducted research on toxic air pollution resulting from the incineration of hazardous chemicals.
Community service has always been central to my life. In Eugene, I currently serve as:
- Treasurer, Active Bethel Community Neighborhood Association
- Chair, Eugene Airport Advisory Committee
- At-Large Neighborhood Representative to the MUPTE Review Committee
- Board Member and Program Coordinator, City Club of Eugene
- Student Mentor, Shasta Middle School
Before moving to Eugene in October 2024, I served:
- 5 years (2 as Chair) on the Medford School District Board (14,000 students, 23 schools)
- 4 years (2 as Chair) on the Jackson County Library District Board (13 libraries serving 220,000 residents across 2,800 square miles)
I would be honored to serve my fellow Eugenians as your EWEB Commissioner.
Fundamental Challenges Facing EWEB
Affordability
Since 2021, electricity prices have risen significantly. Increased electrification, AI-driven demand, and climate-related pressures mean this trend may continue. EWEB raised electric rates substantially in 2025, and water rates also increased to support needed storage upgrades.
As your Commissioner, I will support:
- Requiring that any future rate increases be scrutinized, justified and clearly communicated well in advance
- Strengthening income-based assistance programs
- Expanding rebates and low-interest loans for efficiency upgrades
- Coordinate payment relief efforts with Lane County and other agencies
No one should lose access to essential water or energy services because they cannot afford to pay.
Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship
Most of EWEB’s electricity comes from renewable sources—but not all of it. As a scientist, I understand the urgent need to respond to climate change. Because EWEB belongs to the people of Eugene, I will cast every vote with long-term environmental responsibility in mind and work toward 100% renewable electricity.
EWEB should also continue strengthening protections for the watersheds that provide our drinking water.
Reliability and Resilience
EWEB must protect its energy and water systems against wildfires, climate variability, earthquakes, and cyber vulnerabilities.
EWEB must carefully plan for the replacement of aging infrastructure while preparing for natural disasters like the January 2024 ice storm.
On the energy side, I support:
- Substation modernization
- Storm- and wildfire-hardening
- Grid modernization
- Battery storage and supply resilience
On the water side, I support:
- Second-source water development
- Seismic upgrades to storage facilities
- Pipeline replacement
- Expansion of the emergency water station system
Reliable infrastructure is not optional—it is foundational to public safety and economic vitality.
Endorsements to Date:
- John Brown EWEB Commissioner Wards 4 & 5
- Greg Evans City Council Ward 6
- Randy Groves City Council Ward 8, Former Eugene-Springfield Fire Chief
- Sandra Bishop Former EWEB Commissioner
- Lin Woodrich Co-Chair Active Bethel Community Neighborhood Association
- Tai Pruce-Zimmerman, City Council Candidate Ward 6
- Democratic Party of Lane County
- Lane Professional Firefighters Association
- Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
