Energy Conservation in the Bell System

The nation and telecommunications systems are confronted with a continuing energy problem resulting from limited resources to meet an ever increasing demand. The Bell System provides numerous examples of ways in which demand for energy may be reduced, resulting in conservation of resources and preservation of the environment. The Beli System provides a telecommunications network linking nearly 185 million telephones and handling in excess of 765 million calls a day. In providing telecommunications services, the Bell System employs over one million people, utilizes almost 29 000 buildings, and operates over 194 000 motor vehicles (the world´s largest owned and operated private fleet). However, the Bell System is not energy intensive. It uses only about one-tenth of 1 percent of the nation´s energy, while contributing over 2 percent of the gross national product.