(Energy Crisis)

        Power Supply & Conservation Tips

By now, no doubt, you're probably sick of hearing about the Northwest's Energy dilemma, the need to conserve power, and the electric rate fluctuation. This section is devoted to discussing those situations.

Here's some facts:

  • Rapid growth in the Northwest, along with a lack of new electric generation facilities, caused demand to outpace supply. Natural gas prices, a primary fuel of some new generation facilities, have steadily increased.

  • West coast power customers are using more electricity than in the past, largely due to overall growth and in some cases, extreme temperatures.

  • In the Northwest, low snow-pack and low water levels in the rivers we use for hydroelectric generation are contributing to the decrease in generation.

  • The Northwest is no longer able to depend upon power imported from California or British Columbia to meet demands during extreme temperatures or high use periods.


    The result—a market for wholesale power that is higher than at any time, due to BPA's need to purchase some of its power on the open market.

    To be perfectly honest, a theme in all of this information is a call for you to conserve energy. We at Columbia Basin Electric thank you in advance for your help as we work together, in a cooperative effort, for a commitment to use less power.

    10 Top Energy Saving Tips:
  • Adjust thermostats. Turn down your thermostat during cool months, if possible to 55 degree in rooms you are not using. Turn up the thermostat when air conditioning, especially when the building is not occupied. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to accommodate your weekly schedule.
  • Lower your hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. Many dishwashers now have a temperature boost, allowing you to keep your water heater temperature set at a lower temperature.
  • Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators, if you do not already have them. Repair any water leaks! That may be as simple as replacing a washer in your faucet.
  • Reduce lighting expenses. Turn lights off when they are not in use. Compact fluorescent lighting is the most efficient lighting on the market today. These bulbs use 70% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Several wattage sizes are now available.
  • Seal heating and cooling ductwork. Especially if ducts are installed through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements or crawl spaces. Use duct tape or caulk to seal ducting.
  • Install proper amounts of insulation to save heating and cooling energy. (R-45 or more in the ceiling and attic, and R-20 or more in the walls.)
  • Clean or replace your air filters regularly for furnace and air conditioning equipment.
  • Stop drafts. Make sure your doors and windows are kept closed during the winter. Install or repair weather-stripping or caulking to eliminate cold drafts. Consider investing in commercially installed storm windows or insulated glass.
  • Turn electronic appliances off. When you are not using stereos, televisions, computers, and other electronics, turn them off. Do not underestimate the energy savings you can get by turning off unused electronics.
  • Shade sun-exposed windows and building walls. Sunlight streaming through windows in the summer can substantially increase your air conditioning costs.


    Interested in More Information?


    BPA         
    How To Save Energy (Energy tips and links ) (503 )230-7334 www.bpa.gov/Energy/N/

    Oregon Office of Energy
    Home Energy Tips (5 pages)     (800) 221-8035 www.energy.state.or.us/res/info/cutbills.html
    Be sure to ask about the Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit Program!

    Alliance to Save Energy
    14 Sections with tips, facts, on energy conservation     (888) 878-3256 www.ase.org/powersmart/bother.html

    DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
    List cheap and easy fixes and longer term solutions     (800) 363-3732 www.eere.energy.gov/