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John Mitchell, 341-8539
Eugene Water & Electric Board

EWEB joins BPA in call for energy conservation

Eugene Water & Electric Board, the Bonneville Power Administration and other regional electric utilities are asking customers to help combat the economic effects of a dry winter by efficiently using electricity this spring and summer.

This summer is expected to be part of the sixth below-average water year in a row, and is shaping up to be the tenth lowest water year in the history of the 77-year record. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire has already declared a statewide drought emergency, and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has been declaring county-by-county drought emergencies.

As a region, the Northwest is unique in that it predominantly depends on hydropower for electricity. While hydropower is clean and renewable, its availability fluctuates with the weather and the possibilities of expanding the resource are extremely limited.

On the demand side, however, there is a simple and proven way to make a difference: making a habit of using electricity wisely. By being especially careful with their electricity use, individuals and businesses can help themselves, the region and the environment while reducing their electric bills, minimizing upward pressure on electricity rates and mitigating the possibility of reliability problems with the electric power system.

“EWEB and its customers have partnered in efforts to save energy and operating costs while minimizing their impact on the environment for nearly 30 years,” says EWEB General Manager Randy Berggren, “so we are well positioned to implement conservation programs and activities in our service area.”

BPA does not forecast a high likelihood of reliability problems this summer, but conservation will help keep that likelihood low in the event that conditions get much worse.

“When power supplies are short and market prices are high, the best way to hold down rates and individual power bills is to use energy as efficiently as possible,” says BPA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Wright. “There are things everyone can do right in their homes and work places. Just being conscious about how we use electricity this summer can help a great deal.

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