Myths and facts about electricity in the U.S. South

Title: Myths and facts about electricity in the U.S. South
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: 2012
Published In: Energy Policy
Description:

This paper identifies six myths about clean electricity in the southern U.S. These myths are either propagated by the public at-large, shared within the environmental advocacy culture, or spread imperceptibly between policymakers. Using a widely accepted energy-economic modeling tool, we expose these myths as half-truths and the kind of conventional wisdom that constrains productive debate. In so doing, we identify new starting points for energy policy development. Climate change activists may be surprised to learn that it will take more than a national Renewable Electricity Standard or supportive energy efficiency policies to retire coal plants. Low-cost fossil generation enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that clean generation can save consumers money, even while meeting most demand growth over the next 20 years. This work surfaces the myths concealed in public perceptions and illustrates the positions of various stakeholders in this large U.S. region. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Ivan Allen College Contributors:
External Contributors: Etan Gumerman, Kenneth Sercy
Citation:

Energy Policy. 40. Issue 1. 231 - 241. ISSN 0301-4215. DOI 10.1016/j.enpol.2011.09.061.

Related Links:
Related Departments:
  • Climate and Energy Policy Laboratory
  • School of Public Policy