Integral Assessment of Energy Systems

The electric utility sector is of central importance for economic growth and social development. While numerous societal and economic benefits arise from electricity production, it can also have negative impacts. Today, an increasing number of electric utilities are working on integrating environmental, social and economic aspects into their decision-making processes in an effort to move the electricity sector towards sustainable development. Some utilities have demonstrated that sustainable energy development is not a costly add-on to their core business; instead given cost-effective implementation it can improve their competitive position in a fast-changing industry (Boone and Howes, 1996).