A solar rate option for the development of behind-the-meter photovoltaic systems

A solar rate option for the future development of behind-the-meter photovoltaic creates a win–win alternative to net energy metering, the Hopkinson tariff with energy and demand charges, and the value of solar tariff as ways of promoting new PV installations for a clean electricity future.     

Meeting the Texas electricity peak demand conundrum: A case for wind and solar

Texas electricity production and consumption profiles were reviewed to gain an understanding of the renewable energy role in a high-demand jurisdiction. According to NERC, peak demand on the ERCOT electricity grid is rising at exponential rates, yet the operating reserve margin is still set at 13.75%. The study shows that only recently has Texas been replacing generating units with adequate capacity, primarily wind and solar installations due to an increased offer cap in its competitive electricity market.     

Residential energy supply market: Unmet promises and needed reforms

This article explores the market distortions and behaviors that have undercut the promise and performance of residential energy markets. Market trends are discussed, and possible paths forward are identified for reducing these market distortions. If policymakers are unwilling to eliminate residential energy markets, aggressive and extensive reforms of residential energy markets are warranted.     

Interacting policies in power systems: Renewable subsidies and a carbon tax

Without careful planning and design, energy policies like carbon taxes and renewable subsidies like production tax credits undercut one another in unanticipated ways. We examine how a carbon tax interacts with PTCs by simulating an electricity market using the IEEE RTS model with a carbon tax of $38/tonCO2e and a PTC of $23/MWh. The results show that PTCs work against the carbon tax by both lowering average energy prices and altering the generator dispatch.     

The role of electric vehicles in a decarbonized economy: Supporting a reliable,affordable and efficient electric system

Reductions in the carbon intensity of electricity generation, coupled with technological improvements in the end uses that it can power, have created opportunities for the electrification of large segments of the economy. As the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our economy — 29% of total 2017 U.S. energy-related emissions — electrifying transportation is a key opportunity. Although the technology needed to decarbonize ground transportation exists today, an affordable and reliable transition will require a focus on policy and regulatory changes. Accommodating and correctly managing this growth in electric transportation will be critical to the development of a low-carbon future. If not properly planned for through direct and indirect charging controls, this new load could produce major impacts on the power system and its operations. However, managed correctly, EVs can serve as a useful tool and asset for grid managers and can be accommodated even under aggressive EV adoption models.     

The economic geography of fuel choice: The spatial nexus of consumer economics and carbon emissions is fundamental to effective decarbonization policy-making

Many state and local governments are considering ways to decarbonize their building sectors. This study evaluates domestic heat pumps’ relative advantage over comparable natural gas-burning systems in terms of consumer economics and carbon impacts in 48 states, accounting for disparities in physical and market conditions that determine system’s use and costs. The results show that decarbonization policies are more likely to succeed in states where potential carbon benefits coincide with favorable consumer economics.