Energy Efficiency

John E. Bryson’s column (“Change Is in the Wind--and the Sun,” Commentary, May 19) stating that Southern California can meet its electric power needs primarily through energy efficiency, conservation and the development of renewable energy technologies is especially welcome, since it comes from the chairman and CEO of the region’s largest public utility.

The League of Women Voters has advocated such an energy policy since 1978. Currently, we are urging that no new fossil fuel power plant be permitted until all conservation opportunities have been fully exploited and that to meet any shortfall in electric power generation first consideration be given to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. We applaud Southern California Edison’s solar-technology research with Texas Instruments, and hope they can expedite the availability to the public of the photovoltaic panels to which Bryson refers.

ROBYN PRUD’HOMME-BAUER

President, League of Women

Voters of California

ELLEN E. GIFFORD

President, League of Women

Voters of San Diego County