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Abstract: Inspired by the experiences in Germany and Spain, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) developed a pilot feed-in tariff to stimulate investment into solar photovoltaic systems. This case explores the factors behind the decision to promulgate a feed-in tariff, and the factors that affected the design of the tariff and its rate. Once implemented, GRU found that its design created several perverse incentives that led to some unexpected results. The actions GRU took in response to these results are addressed in the epilogue. The case can be taught as either an energy policy case or as a regulatory economics case. Regulation and management issues such as asymmetry of information between the utility and renewable industry are explored.
Learning Objective: This case explores the factors behind the decision to promulgate a feed-in tariff, and the factors that affected the design of the tariff and its rate. The case can be taught as either an energy policy case or as a regulatory economics case. Regulation and management issues such as asymmetry of information between the utility and renewable industry are explored.