January 25, 2002—Governor Gray Davis recently announced that consumption numbers released by the California Energy Commission show that Californians used 8.9 percent less electricity during peak hours in the year 2001 when compared to 2000’s electricity use and when adjusted for growth and weather.
“Conservation, along with bringing new power plants on line, continues to be the cornerstone of California’s energy policy. This nearly 9 percent reduction reflects consumers’ willingness to conserve electricity at critical times,” said Governor Davis.
During the month of December, adjusted numbers just released show that Californians reduced their electricity use during peak hours by 2.3 percent, even when using holiday lighting. Overall adjusted energy use for the month was down by 4.4 percent.
Earlier this year, Governor Davis launched the nation’s largest conservation program by signing legislation providing $800 million in energy efficiency programs for residential and business customers. In addition, the Governor signed an Executive Order establishing the “20/20 Program” which allowed customers who reduced electricity use by 20 percent during the hot summer months to earn a 20 percent discount on their electric bills.
