Low cost of electricity leads to higher use in NorthwestJul 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Danielle Wiley Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Moscow, IdahoJuly 26--Washington has the second lowest energy prices for consumers in the 50 states, which includes electricity, natural gas and fuel. Idaho was listed at 17th in a new survey by Wallet Hub, an online financing company. Its team of experts researched energy prices at the consumer level in the U.S. But with those lower energy prices in Washington and Idaho, the two states rank in the top 10 for electricity consumption per consumer. Pat Ehrbar, manager of rates and tariffs at Avista Utilities, said that the Northwest is "blessed" with low-cost hydroelectric resources. "That's one of the prevailing if not the main reason why the Northwest has lower prices than probably the rest of the country," he said. He said the regions many hydroelectric dams eliminate fuel costs to generate electricity, which could be one of the reasons why natural gas and fuel are cheaper in the area, too. In Idaho with some of the lowest natural gas prices in the country, residents are using more natural gas to heat their homes than do residents elsewhere. Although the study says that Idahoans use more natural gas than those in Washington, Ehrbar said that includes residents of western Washington in the calculation. Residents of eastern Washington and North Idaho consume the same amount of natural gas on average, probably because the area has harsh winter weather. Charles A. Hall, a retired environmental science professor at New York State College, said people who have more energy efficient appliances or live in areas with lower energy prices are likely to use more energy. Efficiency is no guarantee of savings, he said, because people drive more fuel-efficient cars more miles and air condition more space with more efficient air conditioners. In Whitman and Latah counties, Ehrbar said, Avista customers' energy use peaks during the middle of winter. Avista offers rebate programs if customers make their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Avista offers residents an incentive of up to $900 if they switch their electric furnace to a natural gas furnace. Avista will also pick up residents' old refrigerators and pay them $30 if they switch to a more energy efficient fridge, which can greatly reduce energy bills, he said. Low income families that can't afford to switch appliances can apply for Avista's energy assistance programs. Families can apply for grants and other assistance online. For those who are looking to save money on heating expenses this winter, Avista suggests that opening the blinds on windows facing south to let in natural sunlight, raise the temperature in the house and will give the heater a break. They also recommend setting the thermostat to 68 degrees, 63 when the family is out or sleeping. Residents can also set their water heaters to 120 degrees so the unit will work less, lowering the monthly electric or gas bill. Also, replace furnace filters each month in winter and every three months in spring and fall. Seal leaky faucets to prevent rising water bills. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs is a cheap way to save money. Installing motion sensors and light dimmers can also decrease the electric bill each month. Avista's website has all these tips and more along with applications for rebate programs and energy assistant programs. Danielle Wiley can be reached at intern1@dnews.com |