Conservation could provide 85 percent of power

NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press Writer SPOKANE, Wash.

About 85 percent of the Northwest's new power needs over the next 20 years can be achieved through conservation, according to a new plan being developed by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Wind and natural gas sources should provide the rest of the new power, the council proposed. The Portland-based council was created by Congress in 1980 and drafts a regional power plan every five years for Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. The next one is due by the end of this year. The council sets policy for the federal Bonnevil...