Energy Efficiency

Start saving now, keep saving later

In February 2010, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (Council) adopted its 6th Northwest Power Plan (Plan).   This Plan identified conservation goals for our region based on the Council’s overall assessment of long-term conservation potential.  In fact, the Plan calls for the region to acquire 1,200 average megawatts (aMW) of conservation over the five-year period from 2010-2014.

So just how is BPA progressing toward achieving its conservation goals?  On March 1st BPA released the 2012 update to the 2010-2014 Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (Update).  The update reviews BPA’s targets for the Plan period including progress made to date, and the results are encouraging.  Initial Plan estimates showed projected savings during the first 2 years of 231 aMW.  Based upon the data, actual savings of 238 aMW are anticipated meaning that BPA is 2.5% ahead of the pace necessary to achieve our stated goals. As a result of the tremendous success during the first two years of the plan, BPA has revised its overall projected savings upward to 518 aMW which is great news for everyone.

At MEC we understand the important role of conservation and energy efficiency in keeping our members energy bills affordable for the long term.  Using less energy to accomplish the same task makes sense for our planet and our pocketbook.  We also know that it is critical to develop and deliver a wide variety of programs that add value to our membership. From home energy audits for our electrically heated members to programs designed for our largest industrial consumer, we have the bases covered.

Let’s look at some of the programs that have been extremely successful in our service territory.

Residential

One of the most cost-effective ways to save money in the home is by upgrading to more efficient lighting.  Bulbs are cheap and easy to install.
Beyond lighting, a best-bet is adding insulation and air sealing your home.  The materials are inexpensive and can be installed by the homeowner.  Lastly, our duct-sealing program has helped many members with electric forced air furnaces to increase comfort and decrease monthly bills.

Agricultural

Commercial

We offer a host of commercial energy efficiency measures, however our most successful programs remain in the area of lighting and compressed air.  If you still have older fluorescent equipment in your facility, time is running out to retrofit to high efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting and claim a rebate.

If you would like to learn more about the many programs offered by MEC, or if you would like to schedule a commercial lighting audit, give a call to our Energy Sense Team today.