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The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has proposed purchasing electricity at wholesale prices from regional power companies in the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

During the past five years, electricity prices have steadily risen. In FY2008, WMATA spent $74 million on electricity. The authority expects to spend about $106 million during FY2009, which ends June 30, and more than $110 million in FY10. Purchasing the power at wholesale prices could save the agency up to $9 million annually.

The board finance committee has approved the cost-saving plan; final board approval is expected later this month.