Energy Conservation in the Bell System

Abstract

The Bell System provides numerous examples of ways in which demand for energy may be reduced, resulting in conservation of resources and preservation of the environment.

The System's telecommunications network links nearly 185 million telephones and handles in excess of 850 million calls a day. In providing telecommunications services, the System employs more than one million people, utilizes 32,000 buildings, and operates more than 190,000 motor vehicles (the world's largest owned and operated private fleet).

However, the Bell System is not energy intensive. It uses about one tenth of one percent of the Nation's energy, while contributing over two percent of the gross national product.

During 1982, the System used 13 percent less energy than in 1973, although all business indicators increased: volume of business, 97 percent; customer lines, 38 percent; calls, 55 percent; number of motor vehicles, 19 percent; and floor space, 31 percent.