Mesa power seeks 10 percent cut in use, threatens surcharge

Associated Press June 12, 2001 07:25:00

The city power company will impose a surcharge of 20 to 50 percent if resident customers collectively don't cut electricity use by 10 percent.

The company told businesses the same thing last week.

On Monday, the city coupled the residential warning with a pair of incentive programs. The city's power operation serves about 14,000 residential customers.

However, officials said the additional charges would be levied only as a last resort to cover costs if the city has to buy power on the expensive open market.

To help, beginning June 15, Mesa residential electric customers who buy and install a programmable thermostat before Sept. 30 will receive a $25 credit on their bill.

Residential customers also will receive a $50 credit on their bill for turning in a second refrigerator or stand-alone freezer, which the city will remove at no charge.

Since city leaders also wanted to set an example, City Manager Mike Hutchinson ordered employees to set thermostats in city buildings no lower than 76 degrees, cut back excess hallway lighting, turn off office equipment when not in use. switch off air conditioners at night and on weekends, and allow employees to dress casually all week.

http://www.arizonarepublic.com/arizona/articles/0612AZ--PowerSurcharge-ON.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), June 12, 2001

Answers

That's pretty interesting. I live in Mesa however Mesa has a couple of power providers, the City of Mesa being one and Salt River Project (my provider) being another. In my bill this month SRP is offering a $250 credit for turning in the old, inefficient air conditioner for a new heat pump. I've got an old AC which I'm sure is VERY inefficient but I don't want to shell out $2000 for a unit right now. However that is an EXCELLENT way to mine "extra power". The super low E, tinted, dual pane, vinyl windows I installed on the south facing side of the house are making a big difference. I need to replace four more windows and then I'll consider a new AC.

-- Guy Daley (guydaley1@netzero.net), June 12, 2001.