| October 6, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cathy Hamilton
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP REPORT FINDS EWEB'S ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS UNCOMMON IN ELECTRIC INDUSTRY Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) invested more in energy efficiency programs for its 75,000 customers in the last five years than the combined outlay of four electric industry giants serving more than 12 million customers. This was among the results of a new study called "Unplugged" conducted by the Environmental Working Group and World Wildlife Fund. EWEB also stood apart from the crowd in its development of new, renewable power generation projects such as the wind project in Wyoming. The report found that in general, utilities are turning to old, mothballed power plants rather than developing cleaner plants that use renewable energy such as wind or solar. This new focus on costs has been prompted largely by deregulation of the electric industry, according to the report. In the report, the nation's largest utilities were ranked by their commitment to energy efficiency programs. Forty-two of the largest electric utilities completely eliminated their investments in energy efficiency. The report was based on power industry data from 1992-1997, documents that all utilities must file with the U.S. Department of Energy. The elimination of these programs directly impacts air quality, according to the report. These cuts result in $1 billion in expenses to customers. "EWEB started its conservation work twenty years ago and even at that point we were ahead of the game," says Energy Management Services Manager, Mat Northway. "This report is heartening for EWEB, but when it's considered from a global perspective it's very disappointing. We'd like to see every utility working this hard for their customers and for the future." The utilities have eliminated a range of energy efficiency programs including home energy efficiency audits and rebates for new energy efficient appliances such as water heaters, light bulbs, showerheads and refrigerators. EWEB continually restructures its energy management programs to reflect customer needs, but continues to offer free home energy audits, financing of home weatherization, rebates for new appliances, loans and cash incentives for the installation of solar water heaters and heating system improvements and a comprehensive program designed for commercial and industrial electric customers. The utility also helps builders incorporate energy efficiency measures in the construction of new homes. "EWEB's efforts are reflective of our community's priorities," says Northway. "Our customers have called for conservation programs and the development of clean power resources for decades. They voted against nuclear power when it was at its heyday, and they voted for clean plants like our wind project in Wyoming. Our customers have done these things despite the fact that these choices have not always been the cheapest short-term option. Rather, they understand the long-term benefits for them and their children." Interestingly, despite its investments, EWEB's electric rates are still among the lowest in the nation at approximately 4¢ per kWh -- about half the national average. -30-
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