INTRODUCTION

 The high density urban areas of this country face a variety of
energy-related problems that generally include combinations of energy
supply, environmental, social, institutional, and economic issues. Most
generally, institutional structures and patterns of growth and later
urban redevelopment evolved during periods when energy supplies were
stable and energy prices were low relative to other commodities. We
recently held discussions with representatives from the energy offices
of nine cities that represented a range of sizes, locations, and socio-
economic conditions. The major energy-related problems that were cited
by most or all of the city representatives are described briefly as
follows:
 Loss of Industry and Jobs

 Movement out of cities by industries and resulting loss of
 jobs was almost unanimously cited as a problem. In most
 cases, the cost of energy was a major reason given by industries
 for leaving the city. In some instances, industries that
 chose to use lower quality, cheaper fuels were forced to
 relocate outside of cities to comply with environmental
 regulations.
 Conservation in Rental Housing

 Improving the energy efficiency of rental housing units was
 perceived to be quite important, but very difficult. The
 severity of the problem varied between cities, but the under-
 lying issue was essentially the same. The building owner has
 little incentive to conserve energy because energy costs are
 paid by the tenant, either directly or through rent. Tenants
 generally are reluctant to invest in a building they do not
 own.
 Weatherization for High Income Homeowners

 The middle and upper income homeowners are omitted from many
 current weatherization programs. While higher income home-
 owners are more capable of managing fuel bills, it was generally