Spokane, WA-based Avista Utilities last Thursday announced it plans to launch what it called a “comprehensive and innovative” demand response program for all of its electric and natural gas utility customers in three states, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The program will take a multi-faceted approach to energy efficiency.

Avista has named a new senior manager for its program, Bruce Folsom, a former project manager at the Washington state regulatory commission who has been with the utility since 1993.

The company plans to maintain its current focus on what has been an “award-winning energy efficiency program,” including limited income, residential, commercial and industrial customers. At the same time, it plans to assess and implement new program options.

Avista recently launched a new renewable generation initiative that provides incentives to participating utility customers who generate their own power using wind, solar or an anaerobic digester (biofuel).

Contending the utility is already recognized for its “innovative approaches” for delivering energy efficiency, Avista Utilities CEO Scott Morris, said demand-side management (DSM) programs “will grow in scope and strategic significance” at the company, becoming part of “an enterprise-wide resource planning strategy while continuing to be at the forefront of leading customer advocacy.” He called Folson, the utility’s new senior manager for DSM, “a proven innovator.”

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