Utilities expect to meet state's conservation goals

by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Most of the state's utilities say they'll be able to meet the state's ambitious goals on energy conservation.

The legislature has mandated that utilities conserve one-and-a-half-percent of their retail sales each year.

Sheldon Strom directs the Center for Energy and the Environment. He said power companies should work together to create simple, easy-to-use programs to help home-owners save energy.

"So anywhere in the state over time, you know as a citizen I should get this service, when I buy new furnace here's the type I should get; when I re-stucco my walls I should get them insulated and I think the utilities if they really make a commitment to doing this can save a lot of energy," Strom said.

Strom spoke at a hearing at the capitol Wednesday. Electric companies told legislators they're working on programs to achieve the energy savings. Some said it would cost consumers more.