Abstract:This memo is the last of four prepared for the California Energy Commission to evaluate current and future levels of telecommuting. Technical Memo 1 presented estimates of current levels of telecommuting. Technical Memo 2 reviewed existing studies with respect to the transportation and energy impacts of telecommuting and generated impact factors which could be used to estimate state-wide impacts. Technical Memo 3 presented the base-case estimate of telecommuting and its impacts as well as forecasts of telecommuting. A discussion of forecasting alternatives was included.

This memo qualitatively explores a variety of issues surrounding telecommuting and its future. It begins by reviewing issues related to the future growth of telecommuting, including technological, economic, and social factors which are working to encourage or discourage telecommuting, as well as current and potential government policies supporting telecommuting. Second, it explores issues related to our understanding of telecommuting, both our ability to model telecommuting and our needs for further research on telecommuting.

Note:Prepared for the California Energy Commission.