Abstract
Purpose. In a country where carbon-based fuels such as coal and natural gas dominate electricity generation, the introduction of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) has resulted in an increasing number of renewable energy facilities that count toward state based renewable energy metrics. The research provides an assessment of administrative conjunction and third-party administrative governance associated with the generation of renewable energy credits in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). Theoretical Framework. Collaborative activities are required to address issues that transcend jurisdictions. Governance has influenced the way in which public administrators conduct their work. The influence of the private sector in electrical markets and the privatization of government activity create additional complexity when principals and agents maintain different objectives. Methodology. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach with descriptive statistics and semistructured interviews. The initial exploration of administrative conjunction in the WECC was done primarily through the review of secondary data retrieved from WECC, Energy Information Administration (EIA), and Western Region Electricity Generation Information System reports. The second phase of the research included interviews of state public utility commission (PUC) or energy commission representatives. Research Questions. How are select characteristics of administrative conjunction manifested in WECC and what changes to renewable energy generation in the region supported the need for interjurisdictional administration? What influenced the need for third-party administration in WECC and how was the utilization of WREGIS perceived by renewable energy administrators? Findings. The electrical grid in the WECC region of the United States has adapted from a relatively simple electrical system to a more complex system influenced by technology and policy. Third-party administrative functions emerged as a means to address the need of tracking regional renewable energy production associated with state metrics. Conclusions: The need for third-party administrative activity was driven by multiple state policies over time and emerged in the presence of a complex, regional electrical system. The administrative activities provided renewable energy credit tracking to support state-based metrics. Regional issues other than renewable energy production and global warming may also benefit from the use of third-party administrative activity to track outputs beyond state lines or jurisdictional boundaries.