Introduction
The transition to clean energy in the US has been influenced by state policies aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. A new book, 'Owning the Green Grid', by Joshua Basseches, explores how these policies were shaped by utility companies and what they reveal about the political power of these companies.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Policies
RPS policies have been adopted by around 30 states in the US, with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation. The first RPS law was adopted in Iowa in 1983, but it was only in the 1990s and 2000s that these policies became more widespread. Basseches' book examines how these policies were influenced by utility companies and how they affected the transition to clean energy.
Influence of Utility Companies
According to Basseches, utility companies exerted significant influence over RPS policies, ensuring that they were favorable to their corporate interests. However, the way this influence was exercised varied from state to state, reflecting the regulatory structures and the political power of utility companies and fossil fuel companies in each state.
Examples of RPS Policies
For example, California's RPS law requires the state's utilities to obtain 60% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% from renewable or carbon-free sources by 2045. In other states, such as Texas, RPS policies have been more limited, reflecting the influence of fossil fuel companies in the region.
Conclusion
The book 'Owning the Green Grid' provides a detailed analysis of the role of utility companies in the US energy transition. RPS policies have been instrumental in this process, but the influence of utility companies over these policies has been significant. As the US continues to transition to a cleaner economy, it is essential to understand the role of utility companies and how they can be influenced to support the transition to renewable energy.
Source / Reference
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