Energy Policy Models for Project Independence

embargo, to evaluate U.S. energy problems and to provide a framework for developing a national energy policy. The FEA led the effort which involved over 500 professionals, and resulted in an extensive series of reports in late 1974 and early 1975. Among other outputs, there were predictions ofthe relationship among a number of key variables such as oil price, demand for oil and other fuels, possible government strategies and gross national product. This article describes the computer program and operations research techniques which produced these predictions, which were the core of the Project fndependence analysis. Abstract-The Project Independence Evaluation System for the quantitative analysis of the national energy policy is outlined. The conceptual framework for determining an equilibrium balance of energy supply and demand ischaracterized. The computational procedure is indicated and an example ispresented. The policy application experience and the computational implications are summarized. I. INTRoDucTroN Project Independence isthe generic title describing the activities organized throu ~ the Federal Energy Ad~nistration in the continuing development and implementation f a national energy policy for the United States. The analysis upporting these tasks involves many diverse groups and varying viewpoints that must be coordinated and evaluated as part of the polic