INTRO TO ENERGY POLICIES
Why Energy Policies Are Important
The energy policy in your area can dramatically affect how much renewable energy such as solar panels cost. Furthermore, these policies are the government’s primary tool in driving change in existing energy markets.
Policies can range from incentives such as “the government will cover $20,000 of this solar energy installation” to hard rules such as “we will no longer issue new permits for coal power plants”.
Types of Energy Policies
In general, there are three types of policy tools that governments can utilize to promote renewable energy.
Renewable energy subsidies aim to reduce the cost of these renewables for companies and consumers.
Two common forms of subsidies are feed-in-tariff (FIT) programs, and government tax incentives.
Taxation policies aim to promote renewable energy by raising the cost of using fossil fuels.
Two common forms of taxation policies are carbon taxes, and cap and trade programs.
Direct regulation policies are the harshest form of energy policy. These polices can outright ban certain energy sources such as coal, or mandate that certain renewable sources must be included in the energy mix.
Two common forms of direct regulation policies are phasing out coal power, and renewable fuel standards.
EXAMPLES OF SUBSIDIES
Renewable energy subsidies aim to reduce the cost of these renewables for companies and consumers.
EXAMPLES OF TAXATION POLICIES
Taxation policies aim to promote renewable energy by raising the cost of using fossil fuels.
EXAMPLES OF DIRECT REGULATION POLICIES
Direct regulation policies can outright ban certain energy sources such as coal, or mandate that certain renewable sources must be included in the energy mix.
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