Energy Conservation in the Bell System

In December 1973, the Bell System launched a comprehensive energy conservation program which includes immediate, intermediate, and long range steps. A computerized data base system was developed to permit monthly input of energy consumption, costs, and correlating factors, and to provide rapid determination of energy performance. Immediate steps, primarily in building and motor vehicle operations, resulted in approximately 10% energy conservation in 1974 compared with 1973. These, plus intermediate range steps, including replacement of remaining vacuum tubes and beginning the redesign and retrofitting of existing heating and cooling systems, resulted in "Zero Energy Growth" since 1974. Longer range steps include: introducing more energy efficient telecommunications equipment; improving building environmental systems; adapting alternate energy sources; increasing efficiency of motor vehicles; and expanding materials recycling. These longer range energy conservation steps will permit continued highest quality telecommunications while significantly restricting energy growth.