If you are a member of the media and would like more information, please contact Patty Nowlin at (269) 445-1079 or by e-mail at pattyn@teammidwest.com

January Manager's Column

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY

by Robert L. Hance

A co-op in a neighboring state recently passed a resolution against promotion of energy efficiency measures within their membership. They are in the business of kilowatt hour sales, they say, and don’t want to do anything to curtail sales.

Interesting approach!

Kilowatt hour sales are indeed the bread and butter of an electric utility, but I think we also have a responsibility to encourage thoughtful usage practices, and energy efficiency is part of that. Our monthly power supply charges, and ultimately your monthly bill, are determined by peak system usage. In other words, the point in the month that the 28-cooperative systems (including Midwest Energy) jointly purchasing wholesale power uses the most electricity is the basis for that month’s bill. So if we can reduce our own customers’ usage during that system peak, then we reduce our costs and yours.

Limiting information about energy efficiency measures is the last thing on our minds. In fact, we’ve recently prepared a plan on innovative approaches to energy efficiency, and will begin rolling out a series of pilot projects in January. Energy prices are on the rise, and we want to be able to provide you with proven ways to control your costs and usage.

Our method is a comprehensive four-prong approach, incorporating new technologies and increased education and awareness. It will give us both quantitative data and anecdotal information to move forward with programs that are tested and represent win-win opportunities for the cooperative and our members. The approach includes things as basic as delivering efficiency messages and tips in all media, including this magazine, to more complex and technology-driven efforts like developing a Smart Home model that would allow us to remotely turn selected appliances on and off based on real-time market rates.

We don’t see ourselves as simply a provider of electrons. We are your energy partner, and as such shoulder a responsibility to help you to manage your energy usage and bills. Our staff has a breadth and depth of knowledge that is available to you. Energy efficiency is as much a priority for us as we hope it is for you, and we look forward to sharing the results from our pilot projects and helping you incorporate measures that make sense for you.

Time-Of-Use Rate Project

One of the approaches in our plan is the implementation of a time-of-use rate structure that will encourage customers to shift electricity consumption to off-peak times. We are looking for 50 residential customers who would be interested in participating in a one-year study incorporating this type of rate structure. Customers would pay a higher kilowatt hour rate from 3-7 p.m. on weekdays (peak time), and a much lower rate from 7-3 p.m. (off-peak). By shifting electric consumption to the off-peak time, customers will save money and help reduce system demand.

If you would like more information or would like to participate in the study, please contact Anne Crouse at 269-445-1139, or by email at annec@teammidwest.com. Customers will have to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to participate.