Book Description

A major issue facing the nation is securing sufficient and reliable future energy supplies to meet the increased U.S. Energy demand projected for the 1990's. Key questions in the energy supply and demand equation include: Does the United States have sufficient fossil fuel supplies-coal, oil, and natural gas-to meet growing demand? Can electric utilities adjust to the numerous changes affecting availability of these fuels amidst increasing demand for new capacity? Will end-use approaches such as energy conservation play a greater role in reducing demand? What steps should the nation take in the event of another major oil disruption? To address these issues, the Balancing Energy Supply and Demand panelists focused on four specific topics: the future role of natural gas, challenges facing the electricity industry in the 1990s, the importance of energy efficiency in reducing energy demand, and the need to analyze carefully the means used to ensure energy security.