The program to develop multi-megawatt-sized fuel cell power plants for the electric utility industry began in 1971 with an effort funded entirely by the private sector. Phosphoric acid technology was then, and remains, the most promising technology for initial commercial development. Technical development of the fuel cell has advanced significantly, and commercialization appears closer. In order to obtain a utility-oriented review of the DOE program, as well as a definition of market and commercialization needs, DOE entered into a cooperative agreement with the Fuel Cell Users Group of the Electric Utility Industry, Inc. The agreement, which embraces two studies funded by EPRI, began in March 1982 and includes the following activities: Fuel Cell Users Group Base Program, Evaluation of Commercialization, Study of Fuel Cell Applications, and Integration Study/Planning Information Report.