Value of 1

The Electric Power Research Institute has developed an EPRI Regional Systems (ERS) data base and technique to analyze load characteristics for each of the six regional systems, assessing the benefits of research programs and seeing if each region is benefitting from the research. The ERS translates utility goals into unit availability, heat rate, system losses, and environmental control costs so that the costs and benefits of a 1% improvement can be calculated. Studies show that a 1% improvement in these four key parameters will have regional differences that need to be incorporated into future planning. 4 figures. (DCK)