Pricing for the Short Run
Many factors go into electricity rate setting, but the economic guidance is short-run marginal cost. Economists can be so judgy. We don’t just study how the world is, like scientists, … Continue Reading Pricing for the Short Run
Mexico Goes Backward on Renewables
Mexico’s decision to suspend renewables auctions is bad news for Mexican electricity consumers and bad news for the environment. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (“AMLO”) has only been in … Continue Reading Mexico Goes Backward on Renewables
Redirecting Energy Efficiency Policies for the Climate
Saving energy and saving the climate are not the same thing. A couple years ago I took Severin’s advice and proactively replaced many of my still-working incandescent light bulbs with … Continue Reading Redirecting Energy Efficiency Policies for the Climate
Are We Looking for the Benefits of Rural Electrification in the Wrong Places?
Electricity can provide more than we think. People talk a lot about the potential benefits of bringing electricity to some of the billion homes in the world that do not … Continue Reading Are We Looking for the Benefits of Rural Electrification in the Wrong Places?
Outlawing Gas
Is Berkeley’s newest initiative paving the way for an all-electric future? I like economics. But I love cooking. I recall making jams using berries from the garden with my mom at … Continue Reading Outlawing Gas
What Wildfire Costs Will Depend on How We Pay
Will we hamstring climate change mitigation to pay for adaptation? Our lush California spring has turned to a hot and dry summer. Fire season is upon us, and this has … Continue Reading What Wildfire Costs Will Depend on How We Pay
Are Demand Charges Fair?
Appeals to equity don’t salvage the argument for demand charges. In the past, I have said some pretty unkind things about demand charges in electricity tariffs. Demands charges are fees paid … Continue Reading Are Demand Charges Fair?
