ABSTRACT
The nation is headed for a serious electric supply crisis. The electric supply sector--unlike the supply sectors of the gas and oil industry-continues to operate under price controls. The same in efficiencies which exist in any regulated business with excessive government intrusion are now hamstringing the United States electric supply sector. Demand is rapidly outrunning supply. If current trends continue, by the end of 1985 demand will up about 12% since 1982. Supply, only 5%. And only 7% additional supply is under construction. High electric growth in the 1980s is based on improved economic growth and electricity's dramatically improved price competitiveness. Significant commitments to central station technology are needed today. Windmills and other so-called renewable supply options can presently avail themselves of large tax breaks.
