Oct. 9--Public Service Co. of Oklahoma officials answered questions Thursday about the utility company's request to implement energy saving programs that could reduce energy use by 46 million kilowatt hours in 2010, which is equivalent of about 3,500 customers a month on average.

Alan Decker, the company's director of regulatory services, said PSO officials want to help their customers decrease their energy consumption.

The proposal offered last month for approval by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission could even benefit customers who don't choose to participate in any of the energy saving programs, Decker said. That's because PSO would not have to build any additional power plants if there is a reduced demand for power.

PSO filed its request for added rates on Sept. 15. The commission has 90 days from that date to rule on the request.

Commission staff and other interested parties learned more about the proposal during Thursday's hearing.

The three-year energy-efficiency program initially is expected to cost $80 million in added rates, but PSO estimates that customers could save $186 million overall.

Decker said the programs would be available to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Some include incentives to reduce energy use.

A larger audience Kathy Champion, PSO's manager of consumer programs, said officials are trying to reach a larger percentage of customers because increased participation would lead to more energy savings.

Officials estimate more than 11,000 customers will participate in the new programs.

PSO has proposed adding 16 new programs to the seven already in place, which would increase the program budget from $7 million to $22 million, Champion said.

PSO officials hope to reap a similar increase in savings if the programs are implemented, Champion said.

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