• What is Western's Energy Services?
  
  The Energy Services program helps Western customers improve energy efficiency, explore and use renewable energy options, find new technologies, and learn about programs and techniques to get the most from their resources. An Energy Services representative in each of Western's five regional offices is available to help customers explore energy and planning solutions that are right for their specific needs.
  
  The Energy Services website is a portal to the information and tools our customers need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Our services include an equipment loan program, technical assistance and a full menu of publications.
  
  The monthly Energy Services Bulletin online newsletter highlights our customers' successful programs and services, and covers training opportunities, marketing techniques and new technologies. Interactive Breaking News provides timely updates on current events and ongoing issues related to the utility industry—and gives visitors a chance to weigh in with their thoughts.
  
  The Energy Experts hotline is staffed by energy experts who can answer questions on nearly any energy-related topic. Call the Energy Experts at 800-769-3756.
  
  
• Why does Western have Energy Services?
  
  The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 USC 7275) authorized Western to conduct and implement integrated resource plans (IRPs) to ensure that firm power customers were using their Federal hydropower allocations as efficiently as possible. Western's Energy Planning and Management Program went into effect in 1995. It requires firm power customers to periodically prepare and submit IRPs, and directs Western to provide technical assistance to help customers with the planning process. Western must also encourage them to explore efficiency measures and alternative resources that would extend their portfolios. Technical assistance includes publications, education, one-on-one assistance, equipment loans, studies and other forms of outreach. Customers with limited ability to conduct resource planning receive priority under EPAct.
  
  Today, Western strives to provide customers with the best energy resource information, technology transfer and technical assistance services –to enable them to perform integrated resource planning and remain competitive in the changing utility industry.
  
  
• Can the general public use Energy Services? 
  
  Long-term, firm power customers can always get technical assistance and other information without additional cost (unless a cost-shared, larger technical assistance project such as a workshop, has been arranged). Members of the general public, however, may not be entitled to free services, such as borrowing equipment from the Equipment Loan Program.
  
  Anyone may subscribe to the Energy Services Bulletin, or download publications posted on our website. Depending on the demand for specific titles, non-customers can order publications on CD, but may be asked to cover postage. Any Western publication being distributed to consumers or professional audiences must carry Western's logo.
  
  End consumers of Western's power customers are allowed to use the Energy Experts hotline for free. Other members of the public should contact the regional customer representative or Western's Corporate Services Office. If you have a detailed request for specific information, you may need to file a request through the Freedom of Information Act.

Our customer service regional offices allow us to stay in touch with our customers and their needs, helping them to remain competitive in the changing utility environment. Contact your regional Energy Services representative today to learn more about how Western Energy Services can sharpen your competitive edge.