Wahington Governor urges voluntary limits on electrical use

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Governor urges voluntary limits on electrical use December 9, 2000, 01:15 PM OLYMPIA – Governor Gary Locke is calling for Washington residents to voluntarily turn off lights and turn down heat to preserve electricity during a cold weather snap.

A spokeswoman says the "Level Two emergency" is a warning, not a real emergency. But power is short in the Northwest because of the shortage in California, which usually is a supplier this time of year.

For example, spokeswoman Dana Middleton says, don't turn on Christmas lights until eight o'clock at night, after the peak-use period.

A big draw on electricity is expected to hit this weekend as Arctic air pushes into the Northwest. Locke urged people to cut energy use from 5 percent to 10 percent by:

Turning off lights in empty rooms.

Turning on Christmas lights after 8 p.m. and turning them off before going to bed.

Turning off computers, radios and televisions when not in use.

Turning heaters down to 66 or 67 degrees and wearing sweaters indoors.

Using microwave ovens instead of electric stoves.

Running dishwashers before bed instead of during peak hours (6:30-8:30 a.m., and 4-8 p.m.).

Turning down thermostats on water heaters.

Using one appliance at a time.

http://www.king5.com/localnews/storydetail.html?StoryID=10157

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), December 09, 2000


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