The agency, which covers Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, found that last year the region set a record for energy conservation. While not every utility company and cooperative in the region responded to the council's survey, those that did reported that businesses and residents saved enough power in 2007 to light an estimated 146,000 homes.
And apparently, those humble little compact fluorescent light bulbs were responsible for much of the savings. The council reported that the bulbs - about
People are also saving energy by taking advantage of the many incentives offered by utilities, as well as by choosing more energy-efficient appliances. No doubt they are driven in no small part by a desire to get some relief from rising energy prices. As the costs of other necessities, from fuel to food, climb ever higher, we expect to see more and more people looking for ways to use less energy and lower their utility bills.
But we shouldn't forget that in conserving power, we're also lessening the potential hit to the environment. As Bill Booth, chairman of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, noted, the less demand for energy in the region, the less need there is to build another power plant.
As we continue to have expansive debates over the merits of and problems with coal-fired power plants, wind farms and other sources of Montana-made energy, it's important not to overlook the fact that there are some little things we could all be doing that might also make a big difference.
Energy information
Check out hes.ibl.gov for a free home energy-use audit and tips for using less energy in your home. For a look at the latest report from the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and links to other energy information sources, visit www.nwcouncil.org/ energy/rtf/Default.htm.
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