MID 2004 Annual Report
and Consolidated Financial Statements

Energy-Hungry America

If you think you’re using more electricity than you used to, you’re probably right. Although home appliances are more energy-efficient than ever, the average American has dozens of them. Today’s busy families demand one computer for the adults and another for the kids. As for TV sets in the household, they probably outnumber humans.

Newer homes in Stanislaus County are usually two-story and may have 3,000 or more square feet of living space. Some houses come outfitted with two central air conditioning systems - one upstairs, one down.

Those are some of the reasons why MID believes that teaching customers to conserve energy is more important than ever.

Teaching Conservation

MID’s customer education and incentive programs are making a difference. In 2004 we worked with other local organizations to launch two important educational initiatives. One is an exhibit on energy conservation and electric resources, scheduled to open in January 2005 and run through mid-year, at the Great Valley Museum in Modesto.

MID also partnered with the museum to develop educational modules on energy conservation and electric safety for a traveling teachers program. Traveling teachers receive training in specialized subject matter, then present lessons in classrooms throughout the county—a cost-effective way of integrating conservation information into school curricula.

Conservation Incentives

MID rebates for energy-efficient products hit a new high of $1.27 million in 2004. Products for residential and business use included central air conditioners, window film, dual-pane windows, whole house fans, commercial lighting upgrades, and cool roofs. Incentive programs help motivate customers to buy highly efficient products they would not otherwise purchase. Because MID rebates are funded 100 percent by customer dollars, we closely track the rate of return on incentive programs. This ensures that the amount of energy saved per dollar of rebate yields the maximum benefit.

Keeping the Wind Out

Homes with carefully sealed "building envelopes" and energy-efficient lights and appliances deliver energy savings year after year—even if different owners or renters come and go. In 2004 MID weatherized the homes of 128 qualified low-income families for a modest investment of $100,000, less than $800 per home. Weatherization services can include attic insulation, caulking or weatherstripping doors and windows, plus energy-saving upgrades such as window shade screens, compact fluorescent lights, or replacing inefficient old refrigerators.

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