Energy Management and the Environment

Abstract

Energy use and environmental issues are significant factors in operating AT&T's world-wide facilities and developing products and services. AT&T is reducing energy use to protect the environment and reduce costs. This paper focuses on efforts to ensure adequate power for AT&T facilities from both conventional generating sources and on-site generation, and on using renewable energy sources where possible to power AT&T's products. Due to the increased use of microelectronics and their sensitivity to power fluctuations, both facilities and products are sensitive to power abberations and, thus, require premium power, the combination of highly reliable and environmentally beneficial sources of energy. A team has evolved at AT&T Bell Laboratories to integrate premium power with AT&T's facilities and products. AT&T also is exploring ways of assisting utility companies to better serve their customers.