January 2007 - This study finds that a comprehensive effort to promote efficiency and
other cost-saving demand reduction measures can meet Texas' electricity
needs more reliably, at a lower cost and at a tremendous net economic
benefit compared to building a new fleet of expensive and heavily
polluting power plants. Over the next 15 years, boosting markets for
more efficient products, lighting, cooling, heating and industrial
processes can eliminate over 80% of forecast growth in electricity
demand, while lowering consumer's energy bills. With additional
measures to further reduce electricity demand and enhance reliability,
Texas can completely eliminate its "load growth," resulting in a
gradual decline in total electricity demand to more than 9% below
current levels by 2021.