GAO Work Involving Title V of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975

Title V of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 authorized GAO to independently verify energy data and to inspect the books and records of private persons and companies. The act also directed that GAO annually report to Congress on energy or financial information reviewed under title V and to discusss actions taken to correct any noted deficiencies.

As of July 31, 1978, GAO had requested information from 74 different energy companies and had conducted onsite audits of certain books and records of 37 companies. Reports issued and assignments underway pertained to a variety of energy sources and addresssed a broad range of issues and types of energy data. Title V is an effective statutory tool in conducting energy reviews, but it should be recognized that the GAO role in energy verification is limited to the particular issues being studied and not to systematic collection and analysis of energy data. Although some delays have been experienced in receiving information, there have been no outright refusals to comply with requests. A discussion of reports issued and assignments in process is included.