Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 11, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke renews call for energy conservation as cold snap continues

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today renewed his call for Washington residents and businesses to continue to conserve electricity, particularly during peak hours.

Noting that the weekend weather was slightly more moderate than expected, Locke warned that colder weather is expected to remain in Washington through Friday.

"It is important - it is critical - that we continue to take steps to conserve energy in our region," Locke said.

He said the state is working in several areas to ensure adequate levels of power during the cold snap. They include:

* Writing Gov. Gray Davis of California to ask his help to get idle power plants in that state into operation
* Working with the state Department of Ecology, local air pollution control agencies and the federal Environmental Protection Agency to find ways to operate power plants limited by air pollution restrictions. As a result, Puget Sound Energy is expected to operate its plant near Spanaway without exceeding pollution standards
* Directing state agencies to cut their power consumption from 5 to 10 percent

The governor also said the Washington Utility and Transportation Commission met over the weekend to authorize utilities to offer business customers financial incentives to curb power during shortages through March.

The governor repeated his call to businesses and families to cut energy use from 5 to 10 percent through such measures as:

* Turning off lights in empty rooms
* Turning off computers, radios and televisions when not in use
* Adjusting thermostats to 68 degrees
* Using microwave ovens rather than electric stoves
* Using washing machines and dishwashers at bedtime

He also asked businesses to limit display and advertising lighting and turn off unneeded lights and equipment.

The governor also urged residents to wait until 8 p.m. to turn on outdoor Christmas lights.

Locke noted the greatest conservation needs come at peak hours - from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.

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