Reading Room Document

Authority of Bonneville Power Administration to Engage in Pilot Energy Conservation Programs

This document discusses the authority of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to conduct four energy-conservation pilot programs. The Department of Energy believes that BPA has the authority to carry out these programs as long as they remain in the nature and within the dimensions of testing or pilot programs designed to determine the feasibility of full-scale implementation. The document also addresses the potential impact of conservation measures on the demand for electric power and concludes that the BPA would be authorized to conduct the pilot programs if the Administrator deems them necessary. The questions presented for review include whether the BPA has the authority to engage in the proposed conservation programs and whether these programs would be consistent with the statutory purposes of the BPA.

October 12, 1979