According to a survey released last June from PKF Consulting, Atlanta, hoteliers in the United States spent on average US$771 per available room, or about 58% of their total utility costs, on electricity in 1997. With the prospect of electric industry deregulation, that figure could be cut by as much as 20%, analysts say, a figure U.S. hoteliers should not ignore. Currently 18 states have enacted electricity deregulation legislation or issued regulatory orders, and the remaining 32 are investigating the issue. As a result, most analysts predict nationwide deregulation by 2003. Nevertheless, many hotel companies are taking action today in hopes of reaping such benefits as a 5% to 20% savings on electricity costs, centralized billing and more accurate metering services.
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