Economics ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 3-28-2023

Abstract

I present three chapters on the economics of grid modernization. The first chapter examines the consumer acceptance of community microgrid services. In this chapter I present the results of a split-sample contingent valuation experiment in which electric bill payers across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah are asked about the willingness-to-pay for the installation of a community microgrid contingent on costs and benefits. In the second chapter, I examine the role of contractual hydropower receipts in the fuel mix for a medium size power authority in Colorado. I show that hydropower offsets fossil fuel generation sources and contribute to reductions in ground-level ozone in the front range. I also estimate the health benefits from further reductions in ozone levels due to increase hydropower receipts. Finally, in my third chapter I examine the roll that utility-scale storage plays in storing renewable energy and offsetting emissions in the California Independent System Operator.

Degree Name

Economics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Economics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Benjamin Jones

Second Committee Member

Robert Berrens

Third Committee Member

Janie Chermak

Fourth Committee Member

Seth Blumsack

Language

English

Keywords

energy economics, electricity economics, united states

Document Type

Dissertation

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