Community-based assessment and planning of energy futures

• Main Author: Carnes, S.A.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: 29 ENERGY PLANNING; POLICY AND ECONOMY; 32 ENERGY CONSERVATION; CONSUMPTION; AND UTILIZATION; COMMUNITIES; ENERGY CONSERVATION; SOLAR ENERGY; TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT; RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES; DECISION MAKING; DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS; ENERGY SUPPLIES; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS; GOVERNMENT POLICIES; INFORMATION; INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS; KENTUCKY; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; MASSACHUSETTS; NEW YORK; OHIO; PLANNING; SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS; ENERGY; ENERGY SOURCES; GREAT LAKES REGION; MID-ATLANTIC REGION; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; SOUTHEAST REGION; USA; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6528663; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6528663

The Decentralized Solar Energy Technology Assessment Program (DSETAP) is discussed. In this program four communities were involved in an assessment of the compatibility of diverse conservation and renewable energy-supply technologies and community values and goals and in community planning for the implementation of compatible energy demand and supply alternatives. The approach taken by these communities has several basic components, including: (1) recruiting and organizing for the assessment planning process; (2) collection and analysis of data related to community energy use and indigenous renewable-energy resources; (3) creation and maintenance of a community education and information program; (4) development of policies favorable to the development of preferred community futures; and (5) development of implementation or action strategies. How these components were carried out by the four communities in the DSETAP is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to a number of important issues which were raised during the course of the DSETAP, including the role of public participation, group decision-making techniques, the role of technical information in citizen and group decision-making, and linkages between assessment planning and the relevant policy process.