Conservation Corner – September 2024

Lower Usage Can Lead to Higher Savings!

Most experts agree that the U.S. grid will need thousands of miles of new and upgraded transmission lines in order to meet skyrocketing electricity demand and connect new generation sources while ensuring that power remains reliable and affordable. The ability to site and build the critical infrastructure, however, is being been weighed down by supply chain bottlenecks and clouded by new federal regulations that could lead to a more rigid, less equitable planning, permitting, and cost allocation process, among other challenges.

1 way of helping is to keep our usage down. We provide electricity to some very large farms, many residences, commercial properties, and manufacturers. In 2023, Columbia REA members saved approximately 2.6 GW of energy by utilizing energy efficiency programs and earning rebates to help pay for the improvements. That’s enough power to run 185 average-sized homes for a year, just from Columbia REA efficiency rebate programs!

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Charlie DeSalvo, Energy Efficiency Specialist

If you have any questions about energy efficiency, email Charlie DeSalvo or call (509) 526-4041.