Economic evaluation in energy planning: the experience of communities in the United States

Abstract

This thesis investigates the experiences of 25 communities across the United States who are involved in community energy planning, to determine the extent to which communities have engaged in economic study of their energy plans and programs. Case studies are written on each of the community experiences as a means of documenting the economic analysis performed by each. Next, a discussion of the case studies includes conclusions about: the degree of analysis performed to determine effects on the local economy; whether economic analysis facilitates implementation; and if there truly are benefits which can be reaped by the local economy. Finally, the thesis suggests a solution to the lack of economic analysis which is proposed by the hypothesis to exist in community energy plans and programs. The solution is presented in the form of a framework intended to be a means by which communities can assess their energy plans and programs in economic terms.