Synapse is thrilled to announce the release of our
new report produced for Consumers Union,
Show Me the Numbers: A Framework for Balanced Distributed Solar Policies.
Press Release from Consumers Union
New Report Offers Resources to Help States Maximize the Benefits of Solar Power
November 10, 2016
WASHINGTON – As interest in residential rooftop solar expands, utility commissions need to consider how to encourage solar growth while treating all customers – solar and non-solar alike – fairly. Can both goals be met simultaneously? Yes,
but too few policymakers have the tools necessary to make informed decisions that meet those goals. In
a new report, produced by Synapse Energy Economics for Consumers Union, the advocacy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports, provides utility commissions and other decision makers with the analytic tools needed to better understand how various solar policies
can impact their communities.
“When consumers choose to go solar, there is great potential for benefits and cost savings. But there must be policies in place to ensure customers are treated fairly,“ said Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel for Consumers Union. “This tool will help
states provide consumers with reliable information and the safeguards they need when considering solar for their homes.”
In order to develop policies that best meet the needs of local communities, policymakers should collect data and perform analysis that will answer three key questions:
- How will the policy affect the growth of distributed solar?
- How cost-effective are distributed solar resources?
- To what extent does the policy mitigate or exacerbate any cost shifting to non-solar customers?
The new report, Show Me the Numbers: A Framework for
Balanced Distributed Solar Policies, provides a detailed look at how decision-makers can assess each of the key questions to provide a comprehensive, balanced understanding of the impact of different solar policies.
Continue reading
Dr. Frank Ackerman to Speak at Tax Reform Event in DC
On November 17th, Principal Economist Frank Ackerman, PhD, will be speaking at "Paying for Progress: A Tax Reform Agenda for the Next President," hosted by The Century Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute.
Find more information and register here.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
The Westin Washington
Recent Publications
"The Influence of Clean Power Plan Compliance Pathway Choice on Renewable Energy Construction." Presented by Dr. Tommy Vitolo at the 2016 Renewable Energy Markets Conference.
View Slides.
Public Service Commission of South Carolina: Direct Testimony of Alice Napoleon regarding South Carolina Electric and Gas Energy Efficiency Efforts. On behalf of South Carolina Coastal Conservation League.
Read.
