Part of the shortfall in energy supply is attributed to energy deregulation, a process that is being carried out in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The energy problems now plaguing California are the most conspicuous example of a deregulation program gone wrong. Developing additional energy-generating facilities will take time, but meanwhile there are measures that can ease the problem, according to the report:

* Approximately 30% of an office building's electrical expense goes for heating, ventilation and air conditioning which can be improved by 15% to 20% by using variable volume systems, zoning damper systems and systems that balance air and water.

* Another 30% of a building's energy cost goes for lighting systems, which can be cut in half by electronic ballasts, dimming electronic and cathode disconnect ballasts, halogen lamps and reflector technologies.