Weighing the costs and benefits of state renewables portfolio standards in the United States: A comparative analysis of state-level policy impact projections

摘要: Abstract State renewables portfolio standards (RPS) have emerged as one of the most important policy drivers renewable energy capacity expansion in U.S. As RPS policies been proposed or adopted an increasing number states, a growing studies attempted to quantify potential impacts these policies, focusing primarily on cost impacts, but sometimes also estimating macroeconomic, risk reduction, and environmental effects. This article synthesizes analyzes results methodologies 31 distinct state utility-level cost-impact analyses completed since 1998. Together, model 20 different states. We highlight key findings projected costs examine sensitivity assumptions, evaluate reasonableness input suggest possible areas improvement for future analyses. conclude that while there is considerable uncertainty study results, majority project modest impacts. Seventy percent retail electricity rate increases no greater than 1%. Nonetheless, room improving analytic methods, therefore accuracy estimates.