Ignoring History.(A)(EDITORIALS)

Energy Planning: A group of philanthropies has created a $10 million commission to forge a national energy policy. It's been tried before, with poor results.

The National Commission on Energy Policy aims to break the congressional logjam on the issue by finding a "centrist approach." To do this, it will combine the brainpower of 18 Republicans, Democrats, greens and industry executives.

The commission hopes its report, to be issued in two years, will build bridges. But there's reason for skepticism, especially given the history of foundation-sponsored energy studies.

The philanthropies behind the commission are aware of that history. What's discouraging is that they find it inspiring. They should view it as a warning.

They're particularly impressed by the Ford Foundation's Energy Policy Project, whose 1974 report, "A Time to Choose," became the blueprint for the Carter administration's energy plan.

The Ford Foundation report began much the same way as the latest effort. It, too, pulled together a diverse group to provide "an informed and balanced base" for our nation's energy policy.

Trouble was that one man, David Freeman, co-opted the effort.