NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen wants reduced energy consumption by state agencies to serve as an example to businesses and homeowners in Tennessee.

Bredesen was scheduled to sign an executive order Wednesday that aims to create a comprehensive energy policy for Tennessee.

The governor says the first step will be to assemble a group of experts to craft recommendations. Bredesen wants that group to report back by the fall on how best to reduce energy consumption in the state.

Bredesen's order follows a state comptroller's audit released earlier this year that found several deficiencies in the state's existing energy conservation efforts.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)