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INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLANNING The District has varied its resource mix and promoted conservation for many years, and planning work continues to include evaluation of conservation (i.e., demand side programs) and alternative energy resources. In addition, the District plans are based on construction and operation of the most efficient and environmentally sensitive genera- tion units, while minimizing the overall cost of electricity. Options included in the District's resource evaluations are cogeneration facilities, geot- hermal resources, imported purchase options, traditional gas turbines and re-powering of units at the El Centro Generating Station and/or the Yucca Generating Plant in Yuma. These options range in size from 20 to 200 MW. The District continues to refine the on-going energy conservation efforts. Heat pump and evaporative cooler rebates are still the center of the program coupled with residen- tial audits and recommendations for the insulation and energy use. All these programs are promoted vigorously with advertising and a staff of three professionally trained energy efficiency experts. EFFICIENCY RESULTS IN COST SAVINGS Technology and innovation have improved the planning process resulting in better use of existing resources: material, equipment and personnel. Routine jobs such as upgrades of lower voltage lines in downtown El Centro, Brawley and Calexico benefit from precise computer schedulin9, which allows the least inconvenience for customers during construction. In addition, computerized inventory allows for staging of materials and equipment which reduces or eliminates delays. In the La Quinta area demand for underground service has been met with several inno- vations by District construction crews. Development of specialized tools and proce- dures have reduced the time required on jobs. In an area that perhaps has the greatest number of miles of underground service in the U.S., this means a significant savings for the customer and all rate payers. The District is also pursuing permission from CalOSHA to work several procedures which will not only improve safety but greatly speed up work with high voltage lines. This is only one example of the influence of training and contact with other utilities in the Southwest and the rest of the country. During the past few years, the District has recruited engineers and construction personnel from many other utilities. These people bring to the District not just their years of experience, but a different way to do things. The blend of growing technology and expertise of innovative experienced people has enabled the District to cut costs which results in holding the line on rates to cus- tomers/owners. 7