Corresponent of the Day

Efficiency Programs Create More Jobs
Editor, Times-Dispatch: The article on the proposed Surry coal plant, "You Can Save Money or You Can Save the Planet," disappointed me with its one-sidedness. As a recent William and Mary graduate with experience in environmental policy, I disagree with the mischaracterization that meeting our energy needs requires a choice between the economy and the environment. Old Dominion Electrical Cooperative (ODEC) should take the concept of efficiency programs more seriously and consider efficiency as a short-term alternative to increased generation of coal power.

Advances in technology mean that coal now employs fewer workers than it used to. According to independent economic reports, efficiency programs can create more jobs -- in home energy auditing and weatherization, for example -- at a lower cost financially and environmentally than can coal. Meanwhile, the energy saved through real efficiency programs costs about 3 cents per kilowatt hour, out-competing coal at 4 to 5 cents, even without a carbon tax to address global warming gas emissions.

Virginia should be leading on investment in energy efficiency, not falling behind. Using efficiency first will save ratepayers money, create jobs, and maintain a healthy environment for the people in Surry. Heather Wiegard. Chester.