As states have increasingly moved to implement state-specific energy policies, tensions have grown between these states and the regional wholesale electricity markets that serve them. Although regional transmission organizations (RTOs) oversee the markets and manage the electricity grid, states’ right to pursue certain energy policies—such as renewable portfolio standards and tax incentives for preferred generation resources—is raising fundamental questions. Continue reading »
New Paper Examines Regional Electricity Markets
November 27, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Franz Litz
As states have increasingly moved to implement state-specific energy policies, tensions have grown between these states and the regional wholesale electricity markets that serve them. Continue reading »
Workshop Announced! Powering the Plains and Beyond: Energy Policy in America’s Heartland
November 12, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Jill Syvrud
The Great Plains Institute is excited to announce a one-day workshop to be held in Austin, Texas on December 11, 2017. “Powering the Plains and Beyond: Energy Policy in America’s Heartland” will bring together experts, state officials, and stakeholders from across the Plains and beyond to explore energy developments and trends in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) region. Continue reading »
Analysis: The Effect of Growing Wind Energy on Midwestern Electricity Prices Over the Past 8 Years
September 19, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
A recently released GPI report looks at the extent to which growth in wind energy has reduced electricity prices in the Midwestern market. In conjunction with the Colorado School of Mines, GPI undertook a comprehensive empirical investigation and found a significant decrease in electricity prices attributed to wind energy in the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) market. Continue reading »
Your Life Runs on It — and It Needs an Upgrade
July 26, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Rolf Nordstrom
You might think this is about food, love, or coffee. Nope, this is about electricity. It’s hard to name something you’ll do today that doesn’t require it, and yet we mostly take it for granted, unless you lose power or your cell phone dies. Pause for a minute to consider that without electricity we would not have computers, TVs, microwaves, refrigeration, skyscrapers (no elevators), medicines that require refrigeration, and a very long list of other features of modern life. In short, electricity just might be the most important product you never think of. Continue reading »
e21 Forum Convenes Stakeholders to Explore Consumer-Centric Rates and Performance-Based Compensation
July 12, 2017 in Energy Systems Authors: Sophia Krohn, Trevor Drake
On Friday July 14th, over 50 people convened in St. Paul to learn about and discuss innovations towards a more customer-centric regulatory framework and utility business model for the 21stcentury. The event was the second of several e21 Forums in 2017, which are convened by the Great Plains Institute and Center for Energy and Environment and designed to provide an opportunity for interested parties in Minnesota to hear about and discuss important issues facing the electric sector. Below is a recap of the event along with links to slides and resources. Continue reading »
Four Key Takeaways from Midwestern Leaders’ Dialogue on Energy Storage & Grid Modernization
June 26, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
In March, I wrote a blog post describing why so many energy stakeholders are now interested in energy storage and how that interest is beginning to develop into tangible deployments of storage resources across the country. Continue reading »
Local Economic Benefits of Wind Energy: An Empirical Investigation
June 4, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
Over the last decade and a half, there has been a significant increase in renewable energy generation in the United States. Many states and communities consider renewable energy investments as an opportunity to stimulate local economic development. Continue reading »
Collaboration on Utility Regulation and Grid Modernization in Minnesota Recognized by Regional and National Media
May 23, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Trevor Drake
Two recent articles by regional and national media outlets recognize the leadership and impact of the e21 Initiative’s efforts to develop a more customer-centric and sustainable framework for utility regulation in Minnesota. Continue reading »
Analysis: Electric Vehicles Provide Even Greater GHG Reductions in 2017 and Beyond for the Upper Midwest
May 15, 2017 in Energy Systems, Transportation & Fuels Author: Dane McFarlane
GPI recently updated our previous analysis to explore the emission reductions achieved by driving an electric vehicle (EV) in specific regions in the Midwest. The updated analysis affirms and strengthens our finding that driving EVs, in comparison to gasoline vehicles, can provide significant greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions, with increasing reductions expected in coming years for both Minnesota (the focus of our initial analysis) and the Upper Midwest.
