Conservation, efficiencies dent NW energy demand

Story Published: May 15, 2008 at 10:39 AM PDT

By Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Last year was a record year for energy conservation in the Pacific Northwest.

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council says the energy saved was equivalent to the electricity used by 146,000 homes - or a city the size of Eugene.

The 200 average megawatts saved in 2007 boosts the energy efficiency improvements the Pacific Northwest has been making since 1978.

Overall, the region has saved about 3,700 average megawatts in the last 30 years, or enough power for all of Idaho and western Montana.

New energy efficiency standards for major appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers should help save even more electricity in the future.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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