Energy Economics and Finance Seminar
Event Summary
The seminar series in Energy Economics & Finance (EEF) is jointly organized by Wharton’s Business Economics and Public Policy Department, the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, and Wharton’s Business, Climate and Environment Lab. The scope of the seminar includes regulation and policy papers. The scope of the seminar also includes environmental and transportation issues, as long as there is a connection with energy. Sessions are biweekly on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Snacks, beer, and wine will be served after the seminar!
For Fall 2025, the seminar will be held in-person in the Kleinman Center Classroom (Fisher Fine Arts Building Room 306).
Find and add a Google Calendar version of the schedule on the BEPP seminar page.
To sign up for the seminar, please send your name, email, and affiliation to Dhivya Kaushik: dhivya@wharton.upenn.edu
Talk Title: Different Prices for Different Slices: A Meta-Analysis of Time-Based Electricity Rates
Abstract: With many regions of the U.S. trying to meet aggressive electric power sectordecarbonization goals, utilities and policymakers have renewed interest intime-based electricity rates as a tool to manage electricity peak demand, encourage energy conservation, and shift consumption patterns. This study conducts a rigorous meta-analysis of the existing literature on U.S.residential time-based rates. We focus on the impacts of time-based rates on peak demand and on-peak usage. By reviewing the diverse utility experiences, weidentify key factors influencing rate design effectiveness and provide insight into enrollment and demand response heterogeneity. We also outline critical gaps in existing research, emphasizing areas where additional exploration could refine future rate design policies.
Link to the full paper.
Authors: Jenya Kahn-Lang, Yuqi Zhu, Karen Palmer and Peter Cappers
Karen Palmer
Senior Fellow; Director, Electric Power Program, RFFKaren Palmer is a senior fellow at RFF and an expert on the economics of environmental, climate and public utility regulation of the electric power sector.
Fall Seminar Dates:
- 9/29: Ishan Nath
- 10/20: Robert Metcalfe
- 11/3: Penny Liao
- 11/17: Shaoda Wang
- 12/1: Karen Palmer
