(a) In furtherance of its duties under §§ 4-3-510–4-3-513 the office of energy programs has the power to:

(1) Collect energy-related information for the purpose of maintaining a current source of relevant data, and for supplying the office of energy programs, as well as other federal and state agencies and the general public, with the necessary information to enable them to make informed evaluations and decisions about energy-related problems;

(2) Perform such studies, analyses or surveys as it deems necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this chapter. The office of energy programs shall first of all be concerned with providing any studies or analyses of energy information that the governor or appropriate committees of the general assembly shall request. In addition, within limitations of funds, time and staff capacities, the office of energy programs may provide such information for the general public, individual members of the general assembly, and other state and federal authorities;

(3)

(A) Maintain current reports on the supply, demand and price of the various energy resources, which shall include, but are not limited to:

(i) Coal;

(ii) Electricity;

(iii) Geothermal;

(iv) Natural gas;

(v) Nuclear power;

(vi) Petroleum; and

(vii) Solar power;

(B) In maintaining such reports, the office of energy programs shall utilize data available from other state and federal sources to the extent possible to avoid duplication of requests;

(4) Monitor and analyze technological developments in the fields of energy resource exploration, extraction, utilization, production, distribution, conservation and end-product reuse;

(5) Provide an analysis of the availability of various energy resources as well as a forecast of the future demand and availability of those resources, where feasible;

(6) Establish an information distribution system to convey energy-related information to the general public and other interested persons;

(7) Obtain information on and monitor energy-related developments, including the following:

(A) Energy legislation pending before the United States congress;

(B) Proposed energy-related rules and regulations of federal agencies;

(C) Research development and demonstration activities affecting Tennessee;

(D) Federal grants for which citizens or government might apply;

(E) Energy proceedings and hearings of the various energy regulatory agencies;

(F) Energy-related activities and legislation in other states; and

(G) Such other energy-related activities as the head of the office of energy programs may assign;

(8) Coordinate the responses of other state agencies over and above the responses required under office of management and budget circular A-95, to federal energy programs and projects and present those agencies' views to the extent feasible; and

(9) Evaluate the practical, economic and financial feasibility of projects or facilities included under § 4-3-511(3).

(b)

(1) The office shall maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary information it may acquire.

(2) “Proprietary information” is defined as trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is used either directly or indirectly in the business of any person submitting information to the office under this chapter, and that gives such person an advantage or an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use such information.