Analyzing California’s framework for estimating greenhouse gas emissions associated with retail electricity sales

Wald, Gregory Von; Mastrandrea, Michael D.; Cullenward, Danny; Weyant, John P.

doi:10.1016/j.tej.2020.106818

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…The results inferred from eGRID are only as good as the eGRID methodology itself. We choose to outline the proportion of combusted fuels rather than emissions data due to the limitations outlined by proponents of marginal emissions attribution in electric power system models 57 , 58 and limitations in estimating regional electricity transfers 59 .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A measurement strategy to address disparities across household energy burdens

Scheier

Kittner

2022

Nat Commun

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Energy inequity is an issue of increasing urgency. Few policy-relevant datasets evaluate the energy burden of typical American households. Here, we develop a framework using Net Energy Analysis and household socioeconomic data to measure systematic energy inequity among critical groups that need policy attention. We find substantial instances of energy poverty in the United States – 16% of households experience energy poverty as presently defined as spending more than 6% of household income on energy expenditures. More than 5.2 million households above the Federal Poverty Line face energy poverty, disproportionately burdening Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities. For solar, wind, and energy efficiency to address socioeconomic mobility, programs must reduce energy expenditures by expanding eligibility requirements for support and access to improved conservation measures, efficiency upgrades, and distributed renewables. We recommend the United States develop a more inclusive federal energy poverty categorization that increases assistance for household energy costs.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A measurement strategy to address disparities across household energy burdens

Scheier

Kittner

2022

Nat Commun

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“…However, it is important to note that top‐down models, including high‐level data models, have demonstrated significant limitations in reliably estimating emissions (Baars et al, 2022; Murray & Lenzen, 2013). Inconsistencies in standards and outdated guidance further contribute to the challenges associated with accurate estimations (Chen et al, 2022; Von Wald et al, 2020). The simplification of high‐level standards into user‐friendly tools has often resulted in errors and inaccuracies, as these tools fail to capture the complexities within different sectors (Downie et al, 2014).…”

Section: Detailed Analysis Of Carbon Accounting Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A dynamic framework to align company climate reporting and action with global climate targets

Christy,

Elnahass,

Amezaga

et al. 2023

Bus Strat Env

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There are global aspirations to reach net zero emissions, which triggered the development of standards, guidance and tools to measure and manage climate action across countries, sectors and companies. However, carbon accounting inaccuracies, ambiguous emissions disclosures and unambitious climate targets are hampering these aspirations. This paper reports on the disparity between high‐level guidance and practical implementation of carbon accounting and reporting at company level. By conducting a systematic literature analysis and focussing on the English Water sector, we utilise case study data from Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL), to identify limitations in the current guidance and frameworks. The results indicate the necessity for enhanced alignment in high‐level guidance, particularly regarding the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science‐Based Target Initiative. It is evident that clarity and consistency from high‐level resources are essential for climate mitigation. This paper shows, depending on the sector and company types, that different benefits are gained from using the available resources. We propose a carbon measurement and management process for the English Water sector (and beyond) to reach net zero targets and make recommendations for decision makers. This helps to understand best practices of carbon accounting and reporting and to make effective investment decisions. Consequently, we advocate for policy interventions to improve the standardisation of carbon accounting models. Harmonising international regulatory frameworks and standards is needed, which will empower organisations to effectively assess, manage and reduce their carbon footprints.

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“…State climate policies are usually designed, instead, to regulate the composition of retail electricity sales . Attributing emissions to retail providers according to their electricity supply portfolio is complicated by the presence of nominal or contractual purchases that deviate from a strict interpretation of the physics of electricity grid operation. , A strictly physical interpretation of GHG accounting would assert that electricity injections to a synchronously managed grid are indistinguishable from one another. It is a mathematical impossibility to attribute a particular generation source to any specific customer as electricity does not flow from a source to a sink; all generators work in concert to energize the grid and supply all demands.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accounting for the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity of Regional Electricity Transfers

Wald

Cullenward

Mastrandrea

et al. 2021

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Accurately quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential for climate policy implementation but challenging in the case of electricity transfers across regulatory jurisdictions. Regulating emissions associated with delivered electricity is further complicated by contractual arrangements for dynamic electricity transfers that confound emission accounting approaches rooted in the physics of grid operations. Here, we propose a novel consumption-based accounting methodology to reconcile the nominal and the physical flows of electricity from generators to consumers. We also compare capacity factor-based and regression-based approaches for estimating default emission factors, in the absence of fully specified nominal electricity flows. As a case study, we apply this approach to assess the methods by which California regulators quantify specified and unspecified electricity imports and their associated GHG emissions. Collectively, these efforts illustrate principles for a comprehensive, empirical accounting framework that could inform efforts to improve the accuracy and consistency of policies regulating regional electricity transfers.

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Analyzing California’s framework for estimating greenhouse gas emissions associated with retail electricity sales

Cited by 4 publications

References 3 publications

A measurement strategy to address disparities across household energy burdens

A measurement strategy to address disparities across household energy burdens

A dynamic framework to align company climate reporting and action with global climate targets

Accounting for the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity of Regional Electricity Transfers

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