ALBERTSON'S WILL BROADEN ENERGY CONSERVATION

PETER PERROTTA

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's said last week it plans to expand its energy conservation program to all of its 2,514 stores.

Albertson's had implemented the conservation efforts, which include dimming lights, adjusting thermostats and limiting equipment use, in stores in the seven Western states.

Buoyed by the success of the conservation program, the food retailer decided to expand its efforts.

Moreover, at the same time, the federal government last week also announced that it was expanding its energy conservation program to include supermarkets.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program had only applied to products, schools, homes and office buildings.

However, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman expanded it to include supermarkets. The program encourages businesses to voluntarily save energy and cut air pollution.

"Albertson's is concerned about and committed to the issues affecting the well-being of American citizens," said Lawrence R. Johnston, chairman and chief executive officer, Albertson's, in a prepared statement.

"The escalating cost and finite supply of energy is now our nation's No. 1 concern," he added.