Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 16 : Section 831m-1


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/19/04
Section 831m-1. Tennessee Valley Authority least-cost planning program

    (a) In general
      The Tennessee Valley Authority shall conduct a least-cost
    planning program in accordance with this section.
    (b) Conduct of program
      (1) In general
        In conducting a least-cost planning program under subsection
      (a) of this section, the Tennessee Valley Authority shall employ
      and implement a planning and selection process for new energy
      resources which evaluates the full range of existing and
      incremental resources (including new power supplies, energy
      conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy resources) in
      order to provide adequate and reliable service to electric
      customers of the Tennessee Valley Authority at the lowest system
      cost.
      (2) Planning and selection process
        The planning and selection process referred to in paragraph (1)
      shall - 
          (A) take into account necessary features for system
        operation, including diversity, reliability, dispatchability,
        and other factors of risk;
          (B) take into account the ability to verify energy savings
        achieved through energy conservation and efficiency and the
        projected durability of such savings measured over time; and
          (C) treat demand and supply resources on a consistent and
        integrated basis.
      (3) "System cost" defined
        As used in paragraph (1), the term "system cost" means all
      direct and quantifiable net costs for an energy resource over its
      available life, including the cost of production, transportation,
      utilization, waste management, environmental compliance, and, in
      the case of imported energy resources, maintaining access to
      foreign sources of supply.
    (c) Participation by distributors
      (1) In general
        In conducting a least-cost planning program under subsection
      (a) of this section, the Tennessee Valley Authority shall - 
          (A) provide an opportunity for distributors of the Tennessee
        Valley Authority to recommend cost-effective energy efficiency
        opportunities, rate structure incentives, and renewable energy
        proposals for inclusion in such program; and
          (B) encourage and assist such distributors in the planning
        and implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency options.
      (2) Assistance
        The Tennessee Valley Authority shall provide appropriate
      assistance to distributors under paragraph (1)(B). Such
      assistance shall, where cost effective, be provided by the
      Tennessee Valley Authority acting through, or in cooperation
      with, an association of distributors. Such assistance may include
      publications, workshops, conferences, one-on-one assistance,
      financial assistance, equipment loans, technology assessment
      studies, marketing studies, and other appropriate mechanisms to
      transfer information on energy efficiency and renewable energy
      options and programs to customers.
    (d) Public review and comment
      Before the selection and addition of a major new energy resource
    on the Tennessee Valley Authority system, the Tennessee Valley
    Authority shall provide an opportunity for public review and
    comment and shall include a description of any such action in an
    annual report to the President and Congress.
    (e) Exemption from certain requirements
      The Tennessee Valley Authority shall not be subject to the
    least-cost planning requirements contained in section 2621(d) of
    this title or any similar requirement which might arise out of the
    Tennessee Valley Authority's electric power transactions with the
    Southeastern Power Administration.



Previous [Notes] Next

Related Resources

Environmental Law Guide

FindLaw Environmental News

Endangered Species Act Summary

Environmental Law Discussion

Ads by FindLaw