A Legacy of Conservation (1980 - 2000)*
From 1980 - 2000, BPA was the region's central funder and overseer of conservation initiatives. Since the passage of the Northwest Power Act of 1980 and through 2000, BPA invested over $1.79 billion in a clean, inexpensive conservation power plant, which provided the region with about 775 aMW of energy savings -- nearly as much power as is generated by the Columbia Generating Station (WNP-2), the Northwest's nuclear plant.
Many of the BPA-funded programs touched the public directly. For example, Super Good Cents housing programs, programs to wrap water heaters and install low-flow showerheads, and the program to increase the insulation standards for manufactured homes. The numbers are impressive: over 400,000 existing homes weatherized and over 80,000 new energy efficient homes.
|
 |
Other programs that affect consumers were less obvious but, perhaps, even more significant. For example, the changes to state building codes to increase energy efficiency in homes continue into the future.
Some of the biggest savings acquisitions came from the commercial and industrial sectors. Over 10,000 commercial buildings and 400 manufacturing firms have improved energy technologies and equipment because of the BPA programs. This includes major improvements in the region's aluminum plants, which used a large portion of the region's electricity during that period.
While the programs were centrally funded by BPA, they required a region-wide effort that involved the region's public utilities, state and local governments, private firms, and consumers themselves.
*Savings, expenditures, and number of facilities, etc., cited on this page are for 1982 - 2000, unless otherwise stated.
|
Finance & Rates
EE Home
