The primary goal of energy policy is to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of energy to meet the needs of society while also considering environmental and economic factors.

Government regulation is not a characteristic of a competitive energy market, as it can distort prices and reduce competition.

Transmission and distribution losses refer to the energy lost during the transmission and distribution of electricity from power plants to consumers.

The growth of renewable energy sources is driven by a combination of increasing demand for energy, government support, and technological advancements.

Energy efficiency policies aim to reduce energy consumption without negatively impacting economic growth, thereby improving energy security and reducing environmental impacts.

Time-of-use pricing is a demand-side management program that charges consumers different prices for electricity depending on the time of day or season, encouraging them to shift their energy consumption to off-peak periods.

Grid parity refers to the point at which the cost of generating electricity from renewable sources becomes competitive with the cost of generation from traditional fossil fuels.

The intermittency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, poses a challenge to grid operators, as they must ensure a reliable and stable supply of electricity.

Time-of-use pricing is a demand-side management program that charges consumers different prices for electricity depending on the time of day or season, encouraging them to shift their energy consumption to off-peak periods.

Carbon pricing policies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and support the development of renewable energy sources.

Net metering is a policy that allows consumers with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to sell excess electricity generated back to the grid, typically at a retail rate.

The development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies faces challenges related to high costs, lack of infrastructure, and public acceptance.

Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are policies that set a target for the share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

The increasing demand for energy is driven by a combination of population growth, economic growth, and technological advancements.

Energy efficiency rebates are financial incentives provided to consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances or equipment, such as energy-efficient light bulbs or smart thermostats.