In this Issue:
Newsletter Links:
Sponsored by the
Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
The hot weather just around the corner has most people thinking of summer barbecues, a dip in the pool and even a round of golf. But the Huntsman Administration, along with utility experts and Department of Environmental Quality officials, are encouraging Utahns to start thinking of summer – a period of peak electrical usage – as a critical time for energy conservation.
On May 30, Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. will hold a press conference that kicks off PowerForward, the statewide energy conservation program that encourages consumers to implement simple, voluntary measures to conserve electricity during those dog days of summer when temperatures rise, air conditioners work overtime and utilities can be strained to meet the demand for electricity. Higher power production costs can also mean higher rates for all consumers.
PowerForward is a system of alerts, issued separately for the Wasatch Front and for Utah’s Dixie region, through which color-coded messages are sent to the media and are available at DEQ’s Web site www.PowerForward.utah.gov. Each level signals various degrees of conservation measures that are recommended to consumers. PowerForward alerts are based on weather predictions, high demand for electricity, regional power supplies, and market power prices. Following conservation recommendations during PowerForward alerts is especially important to avoid overloading circuits or forcing utilities to purchase extra, costly power on the wholesale market – actions that translate to higher energy rates in the future.
On “green” PowerForward days, normal, common-sense conservation is urged, such as turning off the lights and electrical appliances when not in use. “Yellow” days signal a need for extra conservation during the hours of noon to 8 p.m., as higher temperatures boost demand. By doing such simple things such as raising air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, customers can help keep utility rates low.
“Red” days are those when it is critical for customers to avoid using electricity as much as possible because power generation and transmission resources are severely strained. Consequently, conservation is crucial to maintaining the reliable flow of electricity.
“This has been a widely successful program that in years past has shaved as much as 80 megawatts from the peak demand,” said Rick Sprott, director of the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ), which now oversees the program in consultation with the Governor’s Office, Utah Power, and other utility partners across the state.
St. George residents rely on PowerForward alerts to help them make conservation choices that can keep them cool during the hot summers.
“Energy conservation is critical in the Dixie area, where the summers are particularly hot, contributing to the increased electrical demand,” said Rene Fleming, conservation coordinator for the City of St. George.
Energy conservation is something Utahns should be mindful of throughout the entire year, it is especially important during the summer months when demand is highest and electricity is most expensive to purchase.
“Although Utah’s electricity is among the most reliable and least expensive in the nation, the increasing demand for electricity during the summer peak season can put a strain on the entire system,” said Margaret Oler, spokeswoman for Utah Power. “The demand for electricity during the peak summer hours is growing at twice the rate of growth in the state.”
Utah’s political leaders have increasingly called for energy efficiency as a matter of public policy. Most recently, the 2006 Legislature’s General Session passed a bipartisan energy policy that directs the Governor’s energy advisor to promote “educational programs, including programs supporting conservation and energy efficiency measures” and to “help promote the Division of Facilities Construction and Management’s measures to improve energy efficiency in state buildings.”
PowerForward was first introduced in 2001. Last year it was moved under the direction of DEQ’s Division of Air Quality, which has made it part of an overall effort and partnership to promote smart energy choices, said Glade Sowards, energy program coordinator for DAQ.
“We are simply asking consumers to be aware of those times during the day when energy conservation efforts will have the biggest impact. If everyone helps out even just a little, the benefits can be significant on the electrical system as a whole,” said Sowards.
The following are five simple things consumers can do to conserve energy this summer: