on april 18, 1977, carter gave a televised speech saying that the u.s. energy crisis during the 1970s was like war. he supported energy conservation by all americans and added solar water heating panels on the white house. he wore sweaters because he turned down the heat in the white house. on august 4, 1977, carter created the department of energy. during the signing event, carter said the current "crisis of energy shortages" made him create the department of energy. carter said that the house of representatives had created many energy saving ideas. a month later, on october 13, carter stated he believed in the senate's power to pass the energy reform bill. he said that "the most important domestic issue that we will face while i am in office" was the energy crisis.