The Real Cost of Renewables

Renewables-Cheaper or Better? Or Not?

According to the Institute for Energy Research, states with mandates around renewables, particularly wind and solar,  are experiencing energy costs significantly higher than during the pre-mandate period. And, conversely, thoses states that have maintained a strong focus on fossil fuel have experienced the opposite.  The following article provides outstanding insights, putting in perspective the untold story as it relates to the value proposition offered by these well-intentioned mandates:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/01/renewable-energy-costs-consumers-bundle

Added attention needs to be paid to the dynamics around renewables to ensure the mandates achieve the desired outcome: an optimum portfolio that factors in total lifecycle costs in determining the desired final state across the country.