Millions Wasted Trying To Develop Major Energy Information System
Highlights
From the early 1970's through 1977, the Federal Power Commission invested millions of dollars in an unsuccessful effort to develop a large computerized system to improve federal and state effectiveness in regulating the energy industry. After the Department of Energy (DOE) took over the system in 1977, it invested another 2 years and more money, but serious management weaknesses from the beginning kept the system from ever operating. The objectives of a comprehensive review of the Regulatory Information System by GAO were to: (1) assess the results achieved from the system development effort, (2) study why delays and problems continued to be encountered, and (3) consider whether further corrective actions by federal managers might still be needed.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should have the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration establish procedures for reviewing the development of current and future energy information systems. The review procedures should stress the importance of assuring that (1) user requirements are adequately identified, (2) appropriate cost-benefit analyses are performed, (3) plans are prepared for each stage of the system development work, and (4) the work of system developers and the needs of system users are coordinated throughout the development effort. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
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| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should have the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration formally document and communicate to the interested public plans for the future use, if any, of the Regulatory Information System concept and the computer software developed, giving reasons for the actions to be taken. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
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