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

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  • Brown, Marilyn A.
  • Gumerman, Etan
  • Sun, Xiaojing
  • Sercy, Kenneth
  • Kim, Gyungwon

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Brown, Marilyn A. & Gumerman, Etan & Sun, Xiaojing & Sercy, Kenneth & Kim, Gyungwon, 2012. "Myths and facts about electricity in the U.S. South," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 231-241.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:40:y:2012:i:c:p:231-241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2011.09.061
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lean, Hooi Hooi & Smyth, Russell, 2013. "Are fluctuations in US production of renewable energy permanent or transitory?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 483-488.
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    3. Galik, Christopher S. & Abt, Robert C. & Latta, Gregory & Vegh, Tibor, 2015. "The environmental and economic effects of regional bioenergy policy in the southeastern U.S," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 335-346.
    4. Thoyre, Autumn, 2015. "Energy efficiency as a resource in state portfolio standards: Lessons for more expansive policies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 625-634.

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