This study analyzes consumers' behavioral responsiveness to changes in price and policy regarding residential electricity consumption, using a hybrid method of econometric analyses and energy market simulations with the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS). First, this study estimates price elasticities of residential electricity demand with the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data, collected in 2005, employing a conventional econometric model and a discrete/continuous choice model. Prior to the NEMS experiments with price shocks and consumers' behavioral features, this study uses NEMS to examine how energy policies would affect changes in retail electricity price in the future. When climate policies are implemented nationally, electricity prices are estimated to increase by 17% in 2030 with a carbon cap and trade initiatives and by 4% with Renewable Electricity Standards (RES). The short-run elasticity of demand estimated from the 2005 RECS is found to be in a range of -0.81 ~ -0.66, which is more elastic than the current NEMS assumption of -0.15. The 2005 RECS dataset details information about American households' energy consumption. This rich source of micro-level data complements the existing econometric analysis based on time series data. Electricity price (either census-division average price or household average price), annual income and number of rooms are found to be three major determinants of the level of electricity consumption. The difference in short-run price elasticity leads to a difference in social welfare estimates of energy policies and energy market forecasts. This study suggests that the estimate of social welfare loss caused by electricity price increase is overestimated if the elasticity is assumed to be smaller than the actual responsiveness. Supposing that 1) the short-run elasticity of -0.66 reflects the actual consumers' responsiveness to price changes in the present and future and 2) retail electricity prices permanently increase by 10%, the welfare loss caused by the price increases would be estimated 0.9 billion dollars less than the current estimates with the elasticity of -0.15. This result suggests that if people are assumed to be more elastic to price signals, the time it takes for a policy to accomplish its goal could be shorter. In addition to assessing potential savings expected from consumers' behavioral changes with the concept of price elasticity of demand in neoclassical economic theory, this study reviews economic and non-economic theories about behavioral features of energy consumers and discusses how existing information programs could be improved.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Canterbury, 2009. / Typescript (photocopy). "March 2009." "Supervisors: Professor Les Oxley and Professor John Gibson." Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-359). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2009. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed December 15, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 72-80).

This report examined patent activity in two areas of the solar photovoltaic industry — inverters and mounting systems — and suggests that market creation policies contributed to innovation within these solar supply chain component areas. Relying on patent counts, the report found that patent activity for inverters and mounting systems increased substantially between 2005 and 2012. Drawing on economic research and innovation theory, the report asserts that market creation policies explain how the solar industry shifted its innovation focus toward improving downstream technology in the solar “balance of system,” creating opportunity for endogenous growth within the industry. / text

Energy efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies are becoming less of a novelty in the American energy mix. These technologies offer the promise of a decreased dependence on foreign oil, considerable savings of energy bills, and protections for the environment. Despite the many potential benefits, these technologies face many barriers to adoption. The lack of renewable energy technologies and energy efficient technologies is particularly damaging in the State of Hawaii, where 90% of energy needs are met with imported fossil fuels. This report focuses on the current energy policies in Hawaii and the barriers to the incorporation of renewable energy technologies and energy efficient technologies, specifically solar water heaters. / text

As demand for electricity increases, utilities turn to demand-side or supply-side responses in order to reduce demand or add supply to their energy portfolio. CPS Energy, a municipal utility owned by the City of San Antonio, Texas, recently broke ground on a new coal plant to meet rising demand for electricity. This report examines the public debate that accompanied the proposal and investigates the possibilities of other solutions for utilities to meet demand. Two case studies, overviews of the utilities in Austin, Texas, and Sacramento, California, provide insight into the considerations for utilities with renewable energy and demand-side management (DSM) in their energy portfolio. This professional report will evaluate these case studies and apply lessons learned to the case of CPS Energy in San Antonio, and report on the options available to utilities considering conventional supply-side additions and demand-side management. / text

Drastic reductions of greenhouse gas emissions are required to limit the severe risks associated with a changing climate. One measure is to disrupt the fossil-fuel dependency in the transport sector, but it appears difficult and costly in comparison to other measures. Vehicles and fuels are available, but no single alternative can replace petrol and diesel in all parts of the transport system. None of them are ideal regarding all of the following aspects: vehicle performance, fuel production potential, sustainability, infrastructure, technology development and economy. Instead, several fuels are needed. In this thesis, the aim is to investigate the role of methane and hydrogen in a fossil- free vehicle fleet in Sweden, and compare them with other fuels in terms of well-to-wheel energy efficiency and economy. Processes for producing methane from biomass, waste streams from pulp mills and electricity are studied with techno-economic methods. Furthermore, well-to-wheel studies and scenarios are used to investigate the fuel chains and the interaction with the energy and transport systems. Effects of policy instruments on the development of biogas in the Swedish transport sector are also analysed and policy instruments are suggested to increase the use of methane and to introduce hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles. The results reveal that tax exemptions and investment support have been and will continue to be important policy instruments, but that effective policy instruments are needed to develop fuelling infrastructure and to support alternative vehicles. Electricity will be an important transport fuel for several reasons; the electric powertrain enables high energy efficiency and electricity can be produced from various renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, other fuels will be needed as complements to electricity. The results reveal that methane and hydrogen and associated vehicles may be necessary to reach a fossil-free vehicle fleet in Sweden. These fuels have several advantages: -        The function of the vehicles resembles conventional vehicles but with lower local and global emissions. -        Methane is a well proven as a transport fuel and hydrogen infrastructure and FCEVs, are commercial or close to commercialisation. -        They enable high well-to-wheel energy efficiency. -        They can be produced from renewable electricity and act as energy storage. / <p>QC 20150929</p>

Carbon reduction commitments and renewable energy targets have become legal drivers of electricity policy in the UK. Meeting those targets will require a transition in the way that electricity is generated, supplied and consumed. This thesis argues that small-­‐scale renewable electricity technologies (<5MW) could have an important role in driving that transition. The thesis evaluates the role of the feed-­‐in tariff -­‐ a policy mechanism designed to stimulate the deployment of small-­‐scale renewable electricity technologies -­‐ in electricity system transition in the UK. The research is based on empirical information generated from 37 industry interviews, observations of industry and government meetings and events, and secondary analysis of consultation responses, publications and statistics from government and the energy regulator, Ofgem. The analysis is structured with a framework that draws on transition theory and breaks down the findings into a niche (micro/developing) level, a regime (incumbent electricity system) level and a landscape (contextual) level. The thesis finds that the FIT has driven solar photovoltaic development and innovation at an unprecedented rate. The other renewable technologies supported under the FIT (wind, hydropower and anaerobic digestion) have not been as widely deployed. It is argued that additional policy support is required to overcome the non-­‐financial barriers that these technologies face. The thesis concludes that the role of the FIT in system transition has been to drive a level and pace of activity in the solar sector that has demonstrated the potential for alternative generation options. This has informed the politicised debate around electricity policy in the UK but it is argued that continued, broader, stable support is required if small-­‐scale renewable technologies are to have a positive role in electricity system transition. The research has relevance to both academic and policy circles focused on electricity policy, the decarbonisation of energy systems and socio-­‐technical system transitions.

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the potential for wind as an alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels and reduce global CO2 emissions. From 1995 to 2007, fossil fuels as the major energy source accounted for an addition of 89.3 Gt of carbon to the atmosphere over this period, 29 % of which was transferred to the ocean, 15 % to the global biosphere, with the balance (57 %) retained in the atmosphere. Building a low-carbon and climate-friendly energy system is becoming increasingly urgent to combat the threat of global warming. / Engineering and Applied Sciences

As living standards improve and population numbers increase in China and India, the demand and consumption of electricity will continue to intensify.  Although both countries maintain a strong dependence on fossil fuels to meet energy demands, a recognition of the importance of a low carbon transition is apparent from the governments of both countries.  China and India have both made commitments to abate global climate change, reduce poverty rates and enhance efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence.  Solar energy has experienced phenomenal growth in the last twenty years due to technological advances, priced reductions and governmental support policies. Yet in China and India policy development has been very erratic.  This paper takes a case study approach to examine solar energy policies, particularly solar energy auctions, in China and India.  Thus, this thesis aims to examine solar energy policy in China and India, and compare the potential of each country for energy security and sustainable development under the IRENA framework to Evaluate Renewable Energy Policy.  The performance of solar energy policy in China and India is assessed on criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, equity and institutional feasibility.  This study find that China has installed more cumulative solar capacity than India and that overall that solar energy policy in China is stronger than in India.  However, at an individual policy level, India’s solar energy auction policy is stronger than China’s.  Thus, the long-term sustainability of solar energy policy and deployment in both countries is a complex and multifaceted issue.  This thesis concludes that for energy security and sustainable development the continuation of policy support is necessary in both countries to ensure that solar will continue to grow in significance.