State renewable energy mandates, also called renewable portfolio standards (RPS), are helping to drive substantial increases in renewable energy production. As the share of electricity produced by renewable sources rises, many are interested in the effect that these policies are having on retail electricity rates. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have gathered and analyzed cost and benefit data from programs across the U.S. and presented their findings. Attendees heard the latest on how different state RPS implementation costs and benefits compare and the reasons for variations. This information can be very helpful for policymakers and others who are evaluating or revisiting state RPS policies.
