In the 108th session of the Tennessee General Assembly, legislation was passed directing the
Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee and the Sparks Bureau
of Business and Economic Research at the University of Memphis to “…perform a study on the
economic feasibility of creating and utilizing a statewide comprehensive energy plan. The study shall
examine the state’s current and future energy supply and demand needs, existing energy policies, and
emerging energy challenges and opportunities.” The report presented here is our collective effort to
fulfill this legislative mandate. We have interpreted our charge broadly and have sought to provide
data and information that can inform the public and lays a foundation for policy development.
