Investigating a 50 Percent Renewable Portfolio Standard in California

Arne Olson, partner at Energy+Environmental Economics, reported on the work his firm completed on the implications of moving to a 50 percent renewable portfolio standard in California. The E3 study, which has received broad attention, was commissioned by the state's five largest utilities to look at the operation, cost, and other impacts of increasing the standard from its current 33 percent to 50 percent.

Arne Olson Discusses Renewable Development from NW Power & Conservation on Vimeo.

The state has become something of a bellwether for the nation as initiatives to expand renewable generation grow. The study also identified methods that would help the state reach its goal: diversify renewable generation and increase the inter-regional coordination between California's and the Pacific Northwest's power systems.