http://66.225.205.104/JR20080731.mp3
This week, North Carolina regulators are hearing arguments about a conservation program from Duke Energy. The utility wants permission to charge customers a monthly fee in exchange for encouraging them to use less electricity. Critics say Duke Energy is just looking for a profit. But Duke Energy is not the first utility company to seek compensation for helping customers conserve. The nonprofit Conservation Services Group in Boston has consulted for years with governments and utilities on similar programs. Here CEO Stephen Cowell tells WFAE's Julie Rose they require a balance, but they can work.