Energy surplus predicted to last

Wind power, conservation keys to stability

James Hagengruber
The Spokesman-Review
July 15, 2004

Power from the wind and increased conservation will add stability to Northwest energy prices, according to a report presented Wednesday at a monthly meeting of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in Spokane.

Because of a sluggish economy and the lack of production from aluminum smelters, the four-state region continues to experience a significant surplus in power – enough to supply three cities the size of Seattle – but a boost in conservation will offer insurance against dry years and the type of price spikes experienced in 2001, according to Tom Eckman, conservation resources manager for the agency.

Conserving power is needed, Eckman said, "not because it's green, it's because it's cheap."

The group, which was formerly known as the Northwest Power Planning Council, consists of two governor-appointed members from each state in the region. The council's decisions influence energy policy for utilities and local governments. The group is currently drafting a new long-term energy plan, which is expected to be released for public comment next month.

Analysts predict the region's current energy surplus will last for another decade. By conserving an additional 30 to 50 megawatts per year, the surplus will last even longer and give utilities more time to develop new sources of power, Eckman said. Wind is being considered as the most viable option for a stable energy supply, but new gas-fired power plants and potential new oil sources from Alberta are also being explored.

The conservation is expected to come from a variety of sources – everything from consumer incentives to purchase energy efficient appliances to improvements in farm irrigation pumps. One of the biggest opportunities is in residential lighting, Eckman said. If every home in the Northwest switched to fluorescent lighting the region would save about 530 megawatts per year, which amounts to about half the power used by Seattle.

"Little things add up to a lot," Eckman said.

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