This latest and most comprehensive of data bases covers U. S. nuclear and coal-fired power plant data on schedules, capital costs, growth in costs, manhours, peak manpower, bulk commodities, productivity rates and start-ups from each electric utility, cooperative, and public power system, and NRC case load forecast panel visits to nuclear job sites. Uniquely, this data base was compiled and expanded continuously from 1971 through August 1984, the period of the great transition in the electric power industry. Thus it reflects not only the developments that have had impacts on plant costs and schedules, but also the influences of the times at which the developments occurred. The author suggests what the future might look like for the utility industry if present trends continue, and concludes with recommendations for corrective actions.