About PowerForward
PowerForward is a public-private partnership sponsored by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and Utah's electric utilities. The mission of the PowerForward campaign is to promote an ethic of energy conservation and efficient use of electricity in Utah homes, businesses, and state-owned buildings.
At the heart of the campaign is the PowerForward alert system. This color-coded system notifies Utah citizens and businesses on days when additional conservation measures are needed.
On GREEN PowerForward Days, normal conservation measures are recommended, such as turning off lights, appliances, and electronic equipment when not in use. On GREEN days:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs where possible.
- Set air conditioning thermostats to a higher setting.
- Use dimmers, motion sensors, or timing devices on appropriate light fixtures.
- Use "energy-saving" settings on all appliances.
- Run your dishwasher and laundry equipment only when fully loaded.
On YELLOW PowerForward Days, extra conservation measures are urged. Consumers are encouraged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible during the peak hours from noon to 8 p.m. On YELLOW days:
- Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
- When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees.
- When at home, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
- Use fans instead of air conditioning.
- Cook in a microwave oven.
- Run your dishwasher and laundry equipment after 8 pm.
On RED PowerForward Days, conservation is critical. Consumers should voluntarily reduce their consumption of electricity to avoid involuntary outages. On RED days:
- Turn off all but emergency electric needs.
- If health permits, turn off air conditioning and keep your home cool by closing drapes and blinds during the heat of the day and opening windows in the evening.
- Prepare foods that do not require electricity to prepare, such as sandwiches and salads.
Conservation Color Key:
GREEN PowerForward Day:
Normal conservation is recommended. Consumers are encouraged to turn off lights, appliances, and electronic equipment when not in use. 
YELLOW PowerForward Day:
Extra conservation is urged. Consumers are encouraged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible during the peak hours from noon to 8 p.m. 
RED PowerForward day:
Conservation is critical. Consumers should voluntarily reduce their consumption of electricity to avoid involuntary outages.
Click here to view 2006 PowerForward Alert History
For more information on the PowerForward campaign and alert system, please contact:
Glade Sowards at 801-536-4020 or gladesowards@utah.gov.
Media inquiries please contact:
Donna Spangler at 801-536-4484 or dspangler@utah.gov.