U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards Raise Average Electricity Rates Less Than 2%

A review by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) in 29 states raised electricity rates by an average of less than 2%, while adding 46,000 megawatts of renewable capacity through 2012, Grist reports. The RPSs also brought economic development benefits and helped stabilize electricity prices. “As there’s more to life than electricity prices and economic development,” Upton writes, “it’s worth noting that RPSs also contribute to water savings, cleaner air, and a more stable climate.”