Mont., Idaho hearings set over power plan calling for better efficiency to meet rising demand
Associated Press
10/13/09 11:05 AM EDT
MISSOULA, MONT. — A regional power council plans hearings in Montana and Idaho this week over its strategy to address future increases in electricity demand largely through conservation measures.
The report from the Northwest Power and Conservation Council will serve as a blueprint for operations of the region's largest electric utility, the Bonneville Power Administration.
It calls for improvements in residential and business energy efficiency that could collectively save the equivalent of 1,200 megawatts of power over the next five years.
Critics argue the plan does not do enough to reduce the region's reliance on coal and other carbon-based fuels linked to global warming.
Hearings on the document are scheduled for Tuesday night in Missoula and Boise and Wednesday in Idaho Falls.
