How Much Do Renewable Energy Mandates Really Cost?

<p>For well over a decade, researchers have been modeling the cost of state renewable energy mandates.</p><p>The results break down in predictable ways: conservative and progressive groups often come to very different conclusions based about costs and benefits.</p><p>An&nbsp;<a href="https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/lbnl-187516.pdf" target="_blank">authoritative 2015 report&nbsp;</a>from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that compliance costs for state renewables targets only make up 2 percent of retail rates in most U.S. states.</p><p>After a lull, the debate over the cost of renewable energy targets is re-emerging. A new working paper from economists at the University of Chicago concludes that mandates are the most expensive way to reduce carbon pollution — and that they are much bigger drivers of rate increases than previously thought.</p><p>Many researchers are pushing back on the economists’ modeling of electricity rates. But it’s worth revisiting this debate, since renewables and carbon-free energy targets are used as placeholders for more ambitious climate policy.</p><p>In this week’s podcast, we’re discussing the findings of this study, the criticism, and how it fits into current trends U.S. in energy policy.</p><p>Then, Rivian continues to bring in money for electric trucks. What do Amazon and Ford see in the company? Are trucks the next big target for electrification?</p><p>Finally, a brief look at 5G networks. They could revolutionize energy services, but they’re also fraught with geopolitical and cybersecurity risk. Will the benefits outweigh the risk?</p><p>Recommended reading:</p><ul><li>Twitter threads from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JesseJenkins/status/1120341177130258435" target="_blank">Jesse Jenkins</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/gilbeaq/status/1120330918244290562" target="_blank">Alex Gilbert</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jacob_mays/status/1122144617829421056?s=19" target="_blank">Jacob Mays</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/samori8/statu