Tl. Mcdaniels, A MULTIATTRIBUTE INDEX FOR EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ELECTRIC UTILITIES, Journal of environmental management, 46(1), 1996, pp. 57-66
Evaluating the environmental impacts of electric utilities is crucial
for informed electrical system planning. This paper presents an approa
ch to constructing an index of environmental impact for an electric ut
ility, based on multiattribute utility theory (MAUT). The paper begins
with an overview of decision analysis, the framework in which MAUT is
applied. Next, the underlying assumptions and steps needed in constru
cting an index based on technical and value judgements are outlined. A
n example of an index is discussed, drawing on interviews and a MAUT e
licitation with planners from BC Hydro, a major Canadian electric util
ity. Potential uses of the index are illustrated and tradeoffs between
the environmental index and costs are discussed. (C) 1996 Academic Pr
ess Limited