Their participation will allow NSP to reduce electricity demand by about 250 megawatts. Last year, about 235,000 residential and 6,000 business customers were enrolled. Their participation can help NSP reduce electricity demand this summer by about 500 megawatts. This year's enrollment of 2,800 is up about 200 over last year's enrollment. Program participants reduce their electricity use by shutting off lights, air conditioning or manufacturing processes.
Some participants use backup generators.
Under their agreements with NSP, participants who don't reduce electricity use at NSP's request pay a penalty. We expect to activate the programs when the temperature is over 90 degrees. The programs also could be activated in emergencies when the integrity of the electricity system is in danger. An additional 50 megawatts could be saved this summer through a new program for NSP's larger customers. The Peak Day Partners program allows NSP to pay large retail customers for reducing their electricity use or for using their own generators when energy market prices are exceptionally high.