Municipality of Anchorage: Regional Energy Conservation Drill Reduces Load. Results generally the same as in previous years.

Organizations throughout the Railbelt have plans in place to deal with a possible gas supply emergencies this winter. While it's not considered likely, all agree that it is important to be prepared. Nobody wants to be caught unprepared on a cold, dark winter evening. That's why the electric utilities in the Railbelt, ENSTAR, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula and Mat-Su boroughs have been working together on a collective approach to the situation.

The "Energy Watch" campaign focuses on actions citizens can take to reduce their energy use during the winter if and when natural gas delivery pressures drop low enough to warrant concern. A stoplight concept will be utilized to advise customers to reduce their energy consumption by varying degrees: energy condition green represents normal, everyday conservation measures; energy condition yellow represents turning down the thermostat and a reduction in some household activities; and energy condition red represents the same reductions but to a larger degree.

The Energy Watch chart will be tested during a tri-borough conservation exercise. The test will take place between 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19. The exercise asks the public to implement actions in the "yellow" band of the chart, including turning down thermostats, postponing household chores and curtailing unnecessary electric consumption.

To view the Energy Watch Chart or to get more information on the Energy Watch program, click here.