Energy Policy
UHERO fellows conduct research to evaluate impacts of past and prospective energy-related policies, and engage with policymakers and stakeholders on contemporary and emerging energy issues, such as renewable energy and associated clean air goals, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and carbon taxes.
Variable Pricing and the Cost of Renewable Energy
On a levelized-cost basis, solar and wind power generation are now competitive with fossil fuels, and still falling. But supply of these renewable resources is …
Should regulators fear bond-rating agencies?
By Michael Roberts It seems that our political and administrative leaders worry about the bond rating agencies. Their fear is understandable. The cost of capital …
Determinants of Residential Solar Photovoltaic Adoption
Hawaii is a leader in distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption. It has the highest rate of PV-based electricity penetration in the U.S. and rivals global …
Bringing together energy and climate change policy
By Sherilyn Wee We hear a lot about Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires 100% of the utilities’ net electricity sales to come from …
Governing Green Power: Realigning Institutions To Fit New Technologies
The “Governing Green Power” conference was held in Honolulu at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, March 28-30, 2017. The motivation for the conference was …
A Scoping Study for Climate Action Planning in Kauaʻi
This report documents best practices for county-level climate action plans (CAPs), with considerations for Kaua‘i. A CAP is primarily a process by which a jurisdiction …
The Role of Policy and Peers in EV Adoption
By Sherilyn Wee, Makena Coffman and Sumner LaCroix Electric vehicles (EVs) can be a cleaner means of transportation compared to cars with traditional gasoline engines. …
Michael Roberts Receives Agricultural & Applied Economics Association’s Quality of Research Discovery Award
UHERO congratulates Michael Roberts, recipient of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association’s Quality of Research Discovery Award for his article, “Who Really Benefits from Agricultural Subsidies? …
Effect of Electric Vehicles on Design, Operation and Cost of a 100% Renewable Power System
This report outlines the effect that electric vehicles could have on the cost of transport and electricity production in the context of a 100% renewable …