EIPC Scenarios for Energy Futures

The document evaluates the EIPC's Carbon Reduction Scenario, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the Eastern Interconnection by 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. Analysis by Synapse Energy Economics indicates that this scenario achieves these reductions with cumulative ratepayer costs through 2040 nearly identical to a 'Business-as-Usual' approach. The scenario relies on a combination of wind energy, energy efficiency, and expanded interregional transmission, specifically projecting 103 GW of new wind in MISO states to support the broader region. The report argues that regional cooperation and updated, lower costs for wind and solar make these targets highly achievable and potentially 30% cheaper than business-as-usual when carbon costs are valued uniformly.

• The EIPC's Carbon Reduction Scenario aims to reduce economy-wide carbon emissions by 42 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, with renewable energy providing 30 percent of electricity needs by that date.
• Analysis by Synapse Energy Economics found that the cumulative ratepayer costs for the Carbon Reduction Scenario through 2040 are essentially the same as those for the Business-as-Usual Scenario, as increased capital spending on renewables and transmission is offset by lower fuel and operational costs.
• The Carbon Reduction Scenario would result in an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 compared to the Business-as-Usual Scenario, emitting 358 million tons versus 1,791 million tons.
• The Carbon Reduction Scenario exceeds the 2030 emissions reduction targets set by the Clean Power Plan for states within the PJM and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regional transmission organizations.
• To achieve the 42 percent carbon reduction across the Eastern Interconnection, the EIPC projects the construction of 103 GW of new wind capacity in MISO states and the retirement of 140 GW of coal generation.
• When carbon dioxide costs are treated equitably across all scenarios, the Carbon Reduction Scenario is estimated to be 30 percent less expensive cumulatively through 2040 than the Business-as-Usual Scenario.
• Actual 2014 wind installation costs of $1,710/kW were significantly lower than the EIPC's initial assumptions of approximately $2,500/kW; applying these actual costs reduces the Carbon Reduction Scenario's cost by over $100 billion.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (n.d.). EIPC Scenarios for Energy Futures. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2016/02/beyond-the-clean-power-plan-executive-summary.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. EIPC Scenarios for Energy Futures. n.d. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2016/02/beyond-the-clean-power-plan-executive-summary.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=EIPC Scenarios for Energy Futures |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2016/02/beyond-the-clean-power-plan-executive-summary.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientistsndeipc, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{EIPC Scenarios for Energy Futures}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/attach/2016/02/beyond-the-clean-power-plan-executive-summary.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }