Renewable Energy in DFW: access, distribution, and equity

Keywords: renewable energy, energy geography, energy consumption, energy market
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

: Texas is the leading producer of renewable energy in the U.S, and DFW is the largest metropolitan in the state. Texas has a deregulated energy market, with three distinct types of providers: privatized, public-owned, and co-operatives. Privatized providers compete in the deregulated market, and consumers must choose between hundreds of retailers. Public-owned providers are owned by the municipality, and electricity consumers that live within the city limits must use the municipal provider. Electric co-operatives operate similarly where customers within the region must use the co-operative, but instead of being owned by the city, co-ops are owned by the members (customers). To date, the availability, cost, accessibility, and outreach of renewable electricity among DFW consumers remains unclear. For this reason, my research examines the renewable energy market in DFW by asking: (1) what consumers have access to renewable energy and how do they understand it? (2) how do electricity retailers distribute and make renewable energy available? And (3) if consumers can choose their provider, why do they select certain electricity plans over others? The findings suggest that while many consumers want or are open to using renewable energy, uncertainties surrounding how to find or choose a provider, price, and lack of information about renewables have become obstacles for consumers to access renewable energy. Additionally, while renewable energy is widely distributed in the region, there are disparities in renewable energy options.