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This course provides an introduction to U.S. energy policy, using a contemporary electric utility Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as both a conceptual and weekly roadmap. By way of the IRP, the course reviews the critical technical, economic, and public policy considerations that go into development and operation of an electric utility's generation portfolio. The first part of the course emphasizes the policy context of energy supply and consumption, including utility choice of generation technology, projected load growth, the economics of electricity generation and distribution, power purchase and contracting, and compliance with environmental regulations and requirements. The second half of the course takes the form of an extended group exercise, in which students will develop alternatives to the utility IRP, defending their scenarios and findings at a hypothetical Utilities Commission hearing. In between, guest lectures will add real-world context to the material discussed in class.

Typically offered in Spring only