CPS Energy set a goal to reduce the community’s electric usage by 771 megawatts by the year 2020, which is essentially the output of a large power plant.
With the help of the Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan, CPS Energy reports that they are on its way to the goal.
The utility said that in 2012, customers saved 139 megawatts of energy, which is enough to power nearly 28,000 homes. They said that in five years, the energy plan customers reduced electricity use by 318 megawatts.
Spokesperson Christine Patmon credits the energy savings to programs that help customers reduce usage:
"They're taking advantage of things like solar power, our refrigerator recycling program. They're doing things that can improve their airflow within their home and keep the cold air in and keep the hot air from coming in," she said.
The Casa Verde weatherization program and CPS Energy's Home Manager system, which helps control things like AC, water heater and pool pumps, are also helping, Patmon said.
"I think people are trying to make good decisions in terms of their electric bills, and so they're making decisions that help them reduce their use so they can pay less for energy," she said.
CPS Energy noteed that the goal to reduce energy demands by 771 megawatts delays the need to build another power plant. At today's prices, the provider says, that would cost customers nearly $1 billion to build.
