News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anastasia Burton
March 29, 2001 (406) 444-5523

Governor Martz Orders Energy Conservation in State Government Facilities

(HELENA)-Gov. Judy Martz today ordered all state agencies to incorporate conservation strategies in the operations of their buildings, and set a ten percent reduction in electricity as their goal.

The fourteen energy conservation strategies included in the Governor's executive order include reviewing all main heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems for efficient operations, setting guidelines for work area temperatures, and turning off all non-essential lighting.

Gov. Martz said, "This executive order will do more than require agencies and universities to save energy. Our administration and the Public Service Commission are currently developing a demand exchange program that will create a market for consumers to sell 'saved electricity' to those large industrial consumers who are currently having to pay outrageous electricity prices. It is my intent to have this conserved electricity sold at prices that provide significant financial benefits to these Montana businesses that need our help. This exchange program may provide a significant contribution -- perhaps up to 50 percent -- of the short-term electricity needs of these consumers."

Today's signing of the executive order formalized the Governor's January 29th request of all state employees to conserve energy. Governor Martz also encouraged all Montanans to conserve energy in their workplaces as well as in their homes. "Let's all work together to cut back on our energy use. It's the right thing to do," the Governor said.