SALT LAKE CITY?Utah?s conservation policies are getting partial credit for a winter energy forecast that looks better than it did less than a year ago.

In January, Gov. Mike Leavitt?s Utah Energy Supply Forum, a formation of energy companies and state agencies, predicted the demand for natural gas would create rising energy costs.

Saturday, the same forum brought a more positive outlook for the future.

?But let?s keep growing, moving forward,? said Leavitt during the energy round table at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.

The reasons for the positive outlook are falling gasoline prices and successful conservation practices.