Dec 14 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Rocky Barker The Idaho Statesman, Boise


Idaho and eastern Oregon residents turned up their thermostats during the December cold snap and Idaho Power hit a new winter peak record for power use.

Electricity demand hit 2,527 megawatts Dec. 10, beating a winter record that had been set the day before. On Dec. 9, demand reached 2,468 MW.

Idaho Power's previous winter peak of 2,461 MW was reached in Jan. 2008. The summer peak, which is far higher at 3,214 MW, was set June 30, 2008.

Idaho Power has three natural gas-fired generating plants to meet peak demand so its reliability was never jeopardized. But Idaho Power officials encourage consumers to look for ways to reduce power demand to to save money.

This is the first year the utility has had tiered rates, which means people who use electricity to heat their homes could see especially higher bills.

"We encourage customers to be aware of their energy usage and use it wisely in order to effectively manage their monthly bill," said Mike Youngblood, Idaho Power pricing manager.

Consumers can sign up at www.idahopower.com as an "Account Manager" and view their usage data to better manage their bills. Idaho Power also has programs to help customers change how and when they use electricity, which can reduce some of the peak demand and for a few customers save money.

To learn more go to www.idahopower.com/energyefficiency

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