Energy Conservation in the Bell System

Abstract

In December 1973, the Bell System launched a comprehensive energy conservation program which includes immediate, intermediate, and long range steps. A computerized data base system was developed to permit monthly input of energy consumption, costs, and correlating factors, and to provide rapid determination of energy performance. Immediate steps, primarily in building and motor vehicle operations, resulted in approximately 10% energy conservation in 1974 compared with 1973. These, plus intermediate range steps, including replacement of remaining vacuum tubes and beginning the redesign and retrofitting of existing heating and cooling systems, resulted in the Bell System consuming 9% less energy during 1978 than was used in 1973. This reduction in energy use was accomplished while volume of business increased 47% and telephones served increased over 21%. Longer range steps include: introducing more energy efficient telecommunications equipment; improving building environmental systems; adapting alternate energy sources; increasing efficiency of motor vehicles; and expanding materials recycling. These longer range energy conservation steps will permit continued highest quality telecommunications while significantly restricting energy growth. The Bell System is committed to a long range objective of using less energy in 1984 than was used in 1973 even though business is expected to continue growing at approximately the same rate as the prior years.