Utilities Policy最新文献

The power industry remains a central focus of modern climate mitigation policies because of its significant contribution to global GHG emissions and increased global electricity demand. This paper examines Kazakhstan's coal-based power-generation companies' responses to a national emissions trading scheme (ETS) regulation introduced in 2013 by applying corporate climate strategy and sociotechnical systems frameworks. The in-depth case study is based on 20 interviews with managers of the six largest Kazakhstan coal-based generators and ten interviews with independent industry experts. The empirical data indicate that Kazakhstan's ETS has impacted the country's generators. The companies have responded in the form of non-compliance (i.e., application for additional free allowances), compliance (i.e., purchase of allowances from the ETS), and compliance-plus activities (i.e., exploring investment into renewable energy and fuel switching to natural gas). At the same time, Kazakhstan's generators continue the business-as-usual approach by investing in modernizing their coal-generating assets. Therefore, Kazakhstan may consider complementing its ETS regulation with additional policy reforms to support its ambitious objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Persuading end users in utility-controlled operation of heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs) charging is challenging. In this study, we designed a randomized control trial in which the utility communicated the rationale for deploying direct load control programmes of heat pumps and EVs framed in terms of environment-related (supporting integration of renewables to fight climate change) or grid-related purposes (helps managing the grid) to two groups. The results indicate that the rationale of ‘grid-related purposes’ resonated more with respondents, with higher acceptance for both devices. We highlight determinant perceptions towards the rationales and (mis)alignments in motivations and propose communication strategies.

This study delves into the scholarly discourse surrounding prosumers, aiming to chart their historical progression and explore the primary topics that have garnered attention in scientific research. While the concept first appeared in academic literature in 1986, a significant surge in interest was observed starting in 2010, with momentum steadily increasing to the present day. Utilizing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method to examine the abstracts of nearly 1400 publications indexed in the Web of Science, this research uncovers three principal subjects that dominate academic inquiry related to prosumers: grid connection and system integration, market and technologies.

Since Brazil's first specific distributed generation (DG) resolution (Regulatory Resolution No. 428/2012), the installed capacity has grown extensively, reaching nearly 25 GWp in Nov/2023. As long as DG is smartly deployed, it provides several benefits to the electrical grid and society, such as energy loss reduction, investment deferral, mitigation of environmental impacts, job creation, and economic development. However, it also implies drawbacks such as tariff raises, which can be significantly harmful in the long term. Therefore, aiming to ensure balanced and fair regulatory frameworks for all market agents, Brazil is undergoing a transition process in which the incentives for deploying DG are moderately reduced. This transition process requires critical discussions concerning the effectiveness of the implemented changes, the tendencies of the sector, and how to improve future regulation. In this context, this paper provides an in-depth review of regulatory aspects associated with DG and the modernization of the electric sector, including historical milestones (e.g., normative resolutions, public consultations, and laws), challenges, regulatory models, market liberalization issues, uptake of other distributed energy resources, and prospects. Moreover, although Brazil is the focus of the study, the status of other countries is also discussed for enhanced contextualization. Hence, the paper might be useful for researchers, government institutions, and policymakers.

Many electricity economists have long hoped that it might be possible to establish competition, not just in providing generation and load assets, but also in the provision of the transmission network itself. Attempts in the 1990s to achieve so-called merchant transmission investment using conventional Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) proved disappointing. We develop an extension of screening-curve models to include the optimal choice of both generation and transmission. Such models, although stylised, provide valuable insight into the long-run co-optimisation of generation and transmission. We propose new regulatory and merchant transmission investment mechanisms that achieve the socially optimal investment.

Energy transition presents new challenges in electricity regulation, notably Distributed Generation (DG) tariffs. In Brazil, DG capacity surged 18 times between 2021 and 2023. The impact of recent Brazilian DG legislation (Law 14300/2022; Normative Resolution 1059/2023) on the market remains uncertain. Our analysis, from technical, social, and financial perspectives, focusing on units with up to 5 MW of installed capacity, reveals persisting and increasingly unsustainable cross-subsidy schemes. While new rules mitigate the risk of a “utility death spiral,” misguided regulations may spur DG adoption and hike electricity tariffs. Revising subsidy regulations can mitigate adverse social and financial repercussions.

For commercial fleets in the United States, traditional electricity tariffs can disincentivize vehicle-to-grid (V2G) participation and render electrification less attractive. First, we show that absent a rate redesign, opportunities for both fleets and the grid are missed. We propose a rate design modification: demand charge relaxation during off-peak (overnight) hours. This approach would enable fleets to shift additional load share to overnight hours and increase ancillary service revenues without the expectation of impacting local grid cost drivers (i.e., coincident peak load). Applied to a California case study, operational savings spanning 7.5% and 20.6% are realized via increased capacity revenues and deferred demand charges.

This paper aims to critically analyse and compare the definition and measurement of energy poverty reflected in the national policy strategies in Portugal and Spain and propose recommendations for their enhancement. The analysis is supported by a systematic literature review of indicators in the Iberian context. Results highlight that both definitions can benefit from broadening the scope and increasing the representativeness of energy services and types of vulnerability. Measurement can be enhanced using available data and indicators for increasing comprehensiveness, reducing redundancy, and considering depth and persistence. Higher effectiveness in energy-poor households’ identification requires increased indicator intersectionality and alternative indicators.

The electricity industry is a cornerstone of modern economies, requiring accurate forecasting to facilitate informed decision-making aligned with sustainable development goals. This study employs a novel, comprehensive system dynamics model comprising four subsystems: consumption, production, carbon emissions, and electricity trading. Our analysis reveals significant trends in Iran's electricity industry. The household sector is projected to become the largest energy consumer, with anticipated reductions in consumer sector subsidies over time. By 2040, total electricity production is forecasted to reach 862,835 million kWh, with renewable sources contributing only 3.3 percent. This trajectory is accompanied by a substantial increase in carbon emissions, reaching 448,383 tons, an alarming 2.6-fold surge compared to 2020. The private sector is anticipated to account for 70 percent of these emissions. Given the findings, prioritizing renewable electricity sources becomes imperative to align with sustainable development goals. Utilizing this integrated model, stakeholders can formulate informed strategies and interventions to navigate the evolving landscape of Iran's electricity sector.

Local acceptance of nuclear power is crucial since the Chinese government continues to expand nuclear power plant projects. This study examines the effect of perceived quality of mass media information and trust in government on local acceptance of nuclear power in China. The survey results indicate that perceived information quality and trust in government influence local acceptance of nuclear power directly and indirectly through nuclear power policy preference. Moreover, nuclear knowledge strengthens the effect of perceived information quality but weakens the effect of trust in government on nuclear power policy preference.