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Vegas Lights Undimmed, on the Outside

``…But that confidence is coming at a price: increased electricity rates, to the consternation of the Strip's monster hotel-casinos. Between September and April, rates will have increased by about 46%, driven by forces that are pushing up energy costs nationwide.

``The typical Strip hotel-casino uses about the same amount of electricity as 10,000 homes, according to utility estimates. Like anxious homeowners, hotel-casino operators are scouring their properties, looking for ways to conserve electricity and--more important perhaps to Wall Street--save money.

``At the MGM Grand, maintenance crews are working their way through the 5,005 rooms, changing lightbulbs to dimmer ones, reducing each room's consumption to 500 watts from 750.

``At the MGM and other hotels, incandescent bulbs are being changed for more efficient fluorescent lights in many cases. Thermostats are being installed to reduce air conditioning in unused convention rooms, and motion sensors are being installed to keep the lights off in empty offices.

``Even slot machines are part of the trend: The newest models consume about 160 watts of electricity, 25% less than older models

``…But one thing won't change: blazing signs and extensive use of exterior lighting to illuminate the resorts.

``… In the meantime, the Strip's lights continue to shine brightly, and utility officials say skeptics should not look too critically at them as power hogs…”

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