Its bills haven't risen like they have in California. Even so, employees turn off computers, appliances and lights at night. Raley's Inc. has cut overhead lighting in its California supermarkets by one-third by removing selected lighting. Overhead lighting is reduced by two-thirds during stage 2 and 3 alerts. The chain also has set timers to lower the heat after business hours.
New stores have timers for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration.
The grocery company also has an energy conservation campaign in its 110 California stores that includes fliers in shopping bags, in-store posters, and information on Raley's Web site. Safeway has switched off outside signs, reduced parking lot lights during nonbusiness hours, and installed a computer system to adjust thermostats for heating. The Roseville Automall, which had already cut its outdoor lighting, wants to install more energy-efficient interior lights by July. The mall is trying to provide a renewable or alternative energy source to power its electronic sign on Interstate 80. Kinko's has reduced its energy demand by over 14 percent, or 45 million kilowatt- hours per year, by retrofitting branches' lighting systems.