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The other “big” category of energy policy ideas out there that could be in the same category are the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). For those not familiar, generally, these set mandated %s for various energy types (at the state level in the US, but at the EU and member country level in Europe).

While “fine” within reason, if they aren’t attainable without major structural electricity market changes, permitting reforms, or massive energy import (for example) you run the risk of setting up a system where blackouts and/or massive price increases occur as the system can’t get to a a stable equilibrium & get compliant supply online in time. Obviously this interacts with the “price cap/consumer subsidy” approach many politicians are taking.

If we’re talking about items that increase the risk of global recession, the idea of taking California’s economy offline a week or two a year due to energy issues is a big deal...

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