NM to cut energy use during peak times

SANTA FE (AP) - Gov. Bill Richardson says the state of New Mexico will try to cut down on its energy use during periods of peak demand.

Richardson announced Wednesday that 10 state government buildings are participating in a savings program operated by PNM, the state's largest utility, and EnerNOC.

On days when PNM expects to exceed available electric generating capacity, participants could have their consumption curtailed remotely by EnerNOC. This allows PNM to buy less electricity on the spot market and reduce loads on the utility's transmission system.

The state's effort is part of Richardson's Lead by Example Initiative, which calls for all executive branch agencies to reduce energy use by 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2015.