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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

A nonalgorithmic review of uncertainty in electric-utility resource planning and decision making

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6414327
Uncertainty is a critical factor that pervades all aspects of electric-utility planning. Uncertainties about future growth; about the continued performance of existing supply and demand resources; and about the costs, construction times, and operations of new resources greatly complicate utility resource acquisition. This paper discusses the integrated-resource planning process that many utilities now use to address uncertainty, reviews the methods that utilities use in planning and in acquiring resources, and suggests future research to help deal with uncertainties. This review is based on assessments of the long-term resource plans prepared by ten utilities and one Public Service Commission, telephone interviews with staff at these 11 organizations and with staff at three consulting firms, and reviews of other related publications. 15 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6414327
Report Number(s):
CONF-890196-1; ON: DE89009108
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English