Arizona pushes power efficiency

PHOENIX, July 28 (UPI) -- Regulators in Arizona have set a goal of reducing electric power consumption in the state by 22 percent in 10 years in a push towards conservation.

The Arizona Corp. Commission voted 5-0 to force electric companies to promote conservation efforts through efficiency, The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

The new goals were supported by environmental groups and consumer advocates, including the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, which projects a savings for consumers of $9 billion by 2020.

SEEP representative Jeff Schlegel said, "Utilities that under-invest in energy efficiency will deliver their customers the highest utility bills."

Utilities can employ a variety of strategies to pull down power use, including promotions of appliances and light bulbs that are energy-efficient or providing incentives for consumers to use less power during periods of peak demand.

Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes said, "I personally think this is the most important thing I will ever do in my life. It is one of the most important decisions this commission has ever made in its 100-year history."

The rules include a mandate that utilities derive 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025.

Power companies opposed the plan on expectation that revenues will drop, the newspaper said.