Demand Charges: What Are They Good For?

The answer to the above question isn’t “absolutely nothing,” but it’s not far off. As Mark LeBel, Frederick Weston and Ronny Sandoval write in a new paper, the technological capabilities of the 21st century have rendered demand charges nearly obsolete. With a few narrow potential exceptions, detailed in the paper, time-varying rates are usually the better solution. The authors also explore their key points in an article in the November issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly (subscription required).

Online Now: Roadmap for Electric Transportation

In a webinar on October 29, panelists discussed RAP’s EV Roadmap and how lawmakers can use it to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in a way that benefits consumers, the power grid and the environment. In a related blog post, Camille Kadoch highlights the key parts of the Roadmap and the benefits states can realize from transportation electrification.

"Building Back Better" in India — Without Coal

As the Indian government looks to use its National Infrastructure Pipeline to navigate the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, Rasika Athawale cautions that investment in coal plants as part of that plan simply doesn’t make economic sense. Instead, India can harness its power sector reforms currently underway to drive development of cleaner, cheaper energy.

FURTHER NOTES

Equity and Economic Recovery on NARUC Agenda

Energy, Equity and Public Health: Lessons Learned