households living in homes with particular heating system problems or in such poor condition that it is not possible to maintain a comfortable temperature. A recourse of some families in this situation—the electric space heater—is expensive and energy intensive.

Performance standards in housing with regard to heat loss need to be developed and incorporated into state and local building codes. Changes in building codes together with greater consumer awareness should slow or stop the present trend toward building new homes with energy intensive features. Legislation requiring "truth in energy" labeling of major appliances and water heaters is needed. Purchasers of major appliances should be aware of the operating costs of appliances as well as their initial purchase price. Generally, natural gas appliances are more efficient than electrical appliances. Also, efficiency of energy use is known to vary among different models of a given appliance.

A way needs to be found to save the energy burned every summer by pilot lights on natural gas furnaces. Regulatory commissions could require that natural gas companies turn furnace pilot lights off and on without a separate charge, including this cost in their overall rate structure. An ignition type of lighter is being perfected. Its development and speedy installation in existing furnaces should be encouraged.

Regulations should be enforced to exclude persons with special interests from regulatory agencies that handle energy matters. To ensure improved service and understanding of consumer problems, more consumers, including women and minority group members, need to be included on energy regulatory agencies.