The Alabama Commission on Higher Education spent 3 years compiling and analyzing information on the consumption and costs of energy and other kinds of utilities by Alabama public colleges and universities. Usage and cost information is taken from each institution's quarterly utilities report. It is noted that interinstitutional comparisons can be misleading, but that overall energy use dropped from 1984-85 to 1985-86 for the first time in 5 years. Graphs on energy usage at all of the participating institutions are provided. The utilities usage and cost summary section offers statistical tables on senior institutions and two-year institutions (junior colleges, technical colleges, and community colleges). Data are provided on the year, gross area, heating fuel/steam, electrical energy, total energy, cost of utilities, heating (degree-days per year), and cooling (degree-days per year). The appendix includes a copy of the quarterly utilities report form and a preliminary report called "Study of Relationship between Energy Usage and Heating Degree-Days and Cooling Degree-Days." A brief description of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education concludes the report. (SM)