ADDING UNCERTAINTY TO LEAST-COST PLANNING - A CASE-STUDY OF EFFICIENCY STANDARDS IN THE NORTHWEST

This paper describes the findings from a detailed study of the long-term uncertainty of the Northwest electric system. The purpose of the study is to quantify the extent to which efficiency standards for new homes and buildings reduce the uncertainty in the system. It shows that standards make the system more predictable and thereby reduce the cost of insurance needed to defend against uncertainty. The general approach used in the Northwest could be applied in other parts of the country to add uncertainty to the least-cost planning process. © 1990.