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Incisive commentary from RAP experts
RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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September 25, 2017
The future of network regulation: Let’s pay consumers to support the grid
- Edith Bayer
The very fabric of modern economies and the challenge to ensure that our energy systems evolve to provide reliable, affordable, clean energy for us, our children, and grandchildren is at stake in Europe this year, explains Edith Bayer. How much… View Summary +
September 13, 2017
For Climate Progress, Solutions Sprout from Cities, States
- Christopher James
At this past summer’s meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), I served on a panel of experts discussing what might happen to America’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the wake of the Trump administration’s… View Summary +
August 10, 2017
Effective Leadership During Times of Change: Start by Talking to Stakeholders
- Jake Brown
For years, most utilities have operated quietly, keeping the grid humming along while providing reliable and affordable electricity. That system has served us well. Today, transformational change is sweeping through the power sector, challenging utilities to not only provide energy,… View Summary +
August 4, 2017
To Achieve Blue Skies, China Needs Common-Sense Energy Policies
- Christopher James
As a former air regulator, I’ve come to the conclusion that China must integrate its energy and environmental policymaking in order to meet its ambitious goals in both areas. Although the path to clean air and efficient electricity markets extends… View Summary +
July 11, 2017
There’s Far More Opportunity Than Crisis in California Renewables Curtailment
- Jim Lazar
California curtailed renewables this spring. This sets off alarm bells in some quarters because it suggests that solar and wind are overbuilt and present a big challenge to the grid. The concerns, however, are misplaced, and solutions are… View Summary +
June 1, 2017
Spotting Opportunities to Innovate
Two years ago, RAP produced a Menu of Options for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the power sector for the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. The report contains 26 detailed chapters, 25 of which look at proven… View Summary +
May 22, 2017
China’s Power Sector Reform: Progress for Clean Energy
Just over two years ago, China’s top leaders launched a major round of power sector reform. From a clean energy perspective, the reform efforts to date show clear progress, but deeper reform efforts will be a challenge. Development of… View Summary +
April 24, 2017
Getting More Mileage from State VW Settlement Funds
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice reached an unprecedented settlement in Volkswagen’s enforcement case, in which the automaker was found to have cheated on vehicle emissions tests. Under the $14.7 billion settlement, VW is required to: Create… View Summary +
April 19, 2017
Customizing Decoupling for Your State
Since its formation over a hundred years ago, the electric utility industry in the United States, and the regulatory framework that governs it, has traditionally operated under the core principle that if you sell more electrons, you earn more money. View Summary +
March 13, 2017
Don’t Throw Out the Energy Efficiency Baby with the Brexit Bathwater
- Jan Rosenow ,
- Pedro Guertler ,
- Richard Cowart
Will Brexit put energy efficiency progress in the UK at risk, ask Jan Rosenow and Richard Cowart of RAP and Pedro Guertler of the Association for the Conservation of Energy? In electric appliances and heating systems—probably not. The biggest risk… View Summary +