ABSTRACT
Scenarios represent the latest stage in the evolution of the energy decision system. The energy decision system includes the set of institutions involved, the constraints within which each institution makes its decisions, and the goals or criteria that each institution is expected to pursue. New energy technologies were developed and implemented on the basis of profit maximization and free competition. In the early 1970s, federal and state energy agencies were created and added to the energy decision system. The Energy Commission's first major responsibility-that of improving the overall energy decision environment-is in part a response to problems encountered in the comparative evaluation process. The Commission is also being pulled into participating in analysis of issues outside the energy sector. Specific criteria for the comparative evaluation of energy options can be classified into two types: those characterized by technical-bureaucratic aspects and those characterized by value-equity-political aspects.
