Renewable Power and the US Grid: Reliability & The Future of ‘Baseload’ Power

Off The Charts Energy Podcast

The U.S. Department of Energy recently proposed a rule that would subsidize the ailing coal and nuclear industries, arguing that these sources of electricity are needed to ensure grid reliability as renewable fuels gain market share. Critics of the proposed rule say it is an unnecessary bailout of uncompetitive and dirty energy sources, and that renewables pose no threat to grid reliability. What are the major factors driving change in the U.S. grid? What are the challenges facing regulators? If Secretary Perry’s proposal is adopted, what effect will it actually have? EPIC and the Harris Energy and Environmental Association, in partnership with The Aspen Institute, hosted a panel discussion on the recent proposal, the underlying Electricity Markets and Reliability report, and the possible impacts to the future of U.S. energy.