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Ashland emerges from power crisis By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - Skyrocketing electric rates are leveling off here as concern over a West Coast power crisis wanes. Ashland residents and businesses won't see a previously projected 30 percent increase in electric rates added to the 20 percent hike that became effective July 1. They may see some smaller increases on Oct. 1. "It could be anywhere from zero to 10 percent," said Dick Wanderscheid, director of administrative services, who oversees the town's electric utility. Bonneville Power Administration, which provides nearly all of Ashland's electrical power, announced an average wholesale power rate increase of 46 percent in late June. Earlier, BPA had projected increases ranging from 75 to 300 percent for the new contract period that starts in October. The city budget, which includes revenues and expenses for the utility, shows the city's already implemented 20 percent increase and earlier 30 percent proposal. Wanderscheid doesn't expect to have a new rate proposal for City Council consideration for about four weeks. He is still awaiting information from BPA. BPA was able to reduce the wholesale rate increases because it got municipal customers to cut usage. Ashland has agreed to cut consumption by 10 percent. In addition, BPA negotiated with aluminum companies in the Northwest to shut down plants. The cutbacks allow BPA to avoid buying high-priced energy on the open market. Ashland residents and businesses have reduced their energy use. The city offers programs and incentives to reduce use. Darex Corp., a large industrial power customer in Ashland, has cut electrical use by 455 kilowatt-hours per month when typical peak usage was 1,400 kilowatt hours per month, according to Freeman Grubbs, engineering supervisor. Several measures including regular air conditioner maintenance have brought reductions. "They unplugged 20 percent of the lights. In the office on a nice day they turn off the lights. They have skylights," said Darex President Gary Varney. Darex's budget, prepared in November 2000, did not factor in increased energy costs. Ashland's Parks and Recreation Commission will review a staff plan to reduce energy by 12 percent at Monday's meeting. The budget for energy was increased by $9,000 for the current fiscal year to $134,000. Oregon Shakespeare Festival budgets from November through October. The 2001 season budget didn't reflect higher rates. Festival Executive Director Paul Nicholson estimates OSF will spend an extra $20,000 to $30,000 for energy in the current year. OSF will budget for a 25 percent increase for the 2002 season. Southern Oregon University energy costs are projected to increase by 25 percent. SOU has turned off hot water in some buildings, reduced lighting and switched to more efficient chillers in its main heating and cooling plant. It uses an energy management system installed in 1999. "We have the capability to fine-tune energy management," said Skip King, physical plant operations supervisor. "We can shut buildings down. We schedule them according to occupancy." Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Keeping power use down ASHLAND - Residents can take advantage of two recently instituted programs to help limit electricity consumption. The city will pay $25 toward checkups of central air conditioners or heat pumps under a program with the Oregon Department of Energy. Another $25 is available to help with any necessary repair work. Certified contractors perform the work. A tax credit also is available. For details, call 552-2063. A Bonneville Power Administration program provides four $6 coupons for the purchase of energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs for homes. More than 7,000 coupons have been mailed out and more than 1,000 redeemed so far. The present coupons expire July 31, but the city expects the program will be extended. For details, phone 552-2060. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.