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Electricity Supply: Utility Demand-Side Management Programs Can Reduce Electricity Use

RCED-92-13 Published: Oct 31, 1991. Publicly Released: Dec 05, 1991.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined: (1) the potential electricity savings that could result from demand-side management (DSM) utility programs designed to reduce future electricity use; and (2) efforts by utilities, states, and federal power agencies to encourage efficient electricity use.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In order to encourage the efficient use of federal electric resources and to maximize the role of federal power agencies in promoting the efficient use of electricity, Congress may wish to consider enacting legislation that would authorize the Southeastern, Southwestern, and Alaska Power Administrations to link power allocations or power rates to customer utilities' DSM programs.
Closed – Implemented
Congress has considered GAO-recommended legislation, including S. 2166, which provides that the Southeastern and Southwestern Power Administrations require that nonregulated utilities with contracts, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, establish an integrated program for planning and selecting new energy resources to provide adequate and reliable service at the lowest system cost.

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Electric energyElectric power generationElectric powerplantsElectric utilitiesElectricity demandEnergy conservationEnergy consumptionEnergy efficiencyEnergy lawUtility rates