Savings increased from Idaho Power energy efficiency activities in 2016

Idaho Power customers saved 170,792 megawatt-hours of energy through energy efficiency activities in 2016, a four percent increase over the previous year’s savings, according to the company’s recently-submitted Demand-Side Management (DSM) 2016 Annual Report.

The report, submitted to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission on March 15, reviews Idaho Power’s DSM activities and finances in 2016 and lays out the company’s plans for future DSM activities.

Energy savings in 2016 included estimated savings from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. The company’s three demand response programs reduced demand by a total of 378 megawatts (MW) from an available capacity of 392 MW.

Idaho Power launched the Smart-Saver Pledge in 2016, an energy efficiency effort that encouraged residential customers to save electricity through behavior changes. The company distributed over 34,000 free Energy-Saving Kits and almost 25,000 LED light bulbs to its customers.

From 2015 to 2016, funding spent on DSM-related undertakings increased by almost 10 percent from $29 million to $43 million.

“We are pleased Idaho Power was able to assist our customers in achieving these results in energy savings,” Theresa Drake, Idaho Power customer relations & energy efficiency manager, said. “Energy efficiency is a win for everyone — not only for today, but for years to come.”