Abstract
Conservation of energy is a frequently cited goal of utility rate regulation. Implementing this goal through modification of consumer behavior has been achieved with varying degrees of success through rate design, incentive programs, direct load control and media appeals. However, the notion of conservation may be at serious odds with other, more fundamental, goals of rate regulation. This paper identifies these other goals and illustrates how conservation efforts have hampered the attainment of these other regulatory precepts. The discussion also provides a forum for reconciling conflicting regulatory goals. A logical basis for determining whether energy conservation is a legitimate goal of regulation is set forth for consideration.
Goble, G. L. (1984). Is Conservation a Legitimate Goal of Regulation?. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /94721.