Designed to ensure customers have reliable electricity at a reasonable cost, the EIRP is a long-term strategic plan that combines technical analysis and public participation. At a minimum of every five years, we take careful consideration of the needs of our customers, the environmental impacts and rate implications of our energy resource portfolio. We consider continued use of the following to have adequate electric supply for current and future customers: - Conventional sources – coal and natural gas
- Renewable sources – solar, wind and hydropower
- Demand-side management – programs that influence the quantity or patterns of use of energy consumed by customers
- Short-term (seasonal) power purchases
Opinions differ, but, the most commonly noted benefits are: - Conventional sources – include lower cost and more stable delivery
- Renewable sources – lower environmental emissions and price stability
- Demand-side management – more efficient use of our natural resources and lower bill
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