Introduction
The transition to a low-carbon economy in the US has been influenced by a variety of factors, including government policies, technological advancements, and market changes. However, one crucial factor that has been frequently overlooked is the role of utilities in shaping renewable energy policies.
A new book, 'Owning the Green Grid', by Joshua Basseches, explores how utilities in the US have shaped the transition to renewable energy. Basseches, a professor of environmental studies and public policy at Tulane University in New Orleans, argues that utilities used their influence to ensure that renewable portfolio standard (RPS) laws were favorable to corporate profits.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Laws
RPS laws have been implemented in about 30 states in the US, with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The first RPS law was adopted in Iowa in 1983, but it was not until the 2000s that these laws became more common. California, for example, has a law that requires utilities to obtain 60% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2045.
However, Basseches argues that utilities used their influence to shape these laws in a way that benefited their own interests. In some states, utilities were able to include provisions that allowed them to continue operating fossil fuel plants, while in others, they were able to secure subsidies to invest in renewable energy.
Utility Influence
Basseches argues that utilities have significant influence over energy policy in the US. They have a strong presence in many states and are able to exert pressure on lawmakers to pass laws that are favorable to their interests.
Additionally, utilities have a close relationship with public utility commissions, which are responsible for regulating the energy industry. This can lead to a conflict of interest, as public utility commissions may be influenced by utilities to approve laws that benefit the companies' interests at the expense of the public interest.
Conclusion
The transition to a low-carbon economy in the US is a complex challenge that requires the cooperation of many actors. However, it is essential to understand the role of utilities in shaping renewable energy policies.
Basseches' book provides a valuable insight into how utilities have shaped the transition to renewable energy in the US. It is a reminder that the transition to a low-carbon economy is not just a matter of technology, but also of politics and power.
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