The board of directors of Chugach Electric Association recently approved a policy on energy efficiency and conservation. The policy calls for the establishment of programs to help members reduce energy consumption and demand. The programs will incorporate education, information, energy audits, rebates and incentives. Board Policy 132 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program

The policy sets an initial goal of reducing energy consumption by Chugach residential members by 10 percent below the 2008 monthly average in the next two years, with new goals to follow every 5 years.

The policy also recognizes the need for a regional approach to issues, and calls for Chugach to participate in local and state planning of energy efficiency and conservation.

The utility won’t be starting from scratch. For years Chugach has had a number of programs and services in place to help customers interested in saving energy and lowering their bills. However with the passage of the policy, Chugach staff will be developing new programs and devoting additional resources to help members interested in using energy more wisely.

In 2006 the Chugach board created a Renewable Energy Committee and populated it with member-volunteers interested in helping the cooperative evaluate options and opportunities for renewable energy projects, conservation and efficiency. The new policy approved by the board Sept. 24 resulted in part from the work of the committee.

For more information on Chugach’s energy programs, go to www.chugachelectric.com or call Carol Heyman at 762-4707.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.