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Shades of Green: Modelling Differences in Thought and Action among Electric Utility Regime Actors in the Energy System Transition

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  • Bonnie Wylie Pratt

    (Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
    Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Jon D. Erickson

    (Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
    Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Jane Kolodinsky

    (Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
    Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Erik Monsen

    (Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • William J. Wales

    (Department of Management, School of Business, University of Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA)

Abstract

There is wide variability in how organizations approach sustainability and the energy system transition toward using more renewables. In the electric power industry, while some distribution utilities have leaned into the transition, others have taken a more conservative approach. Grounded in an institutional resource-based perspective, this multi-level study examines key intra-firm, firm, and individual leadership factors that impact an organization’s commitment to renewables. Sustainability orientation in the power industry is assessed as the percent of renewable energy in a utility’s fuel mix compared with their expressed commitment to renewables and energy efficiency within planning documents. Through computer-aided text analysis, characteristics of 170 electric utilities in the United States were analyzed to predict sustainability orientation. Results indicate that rurality, deregulation, and the entrepreneurial orientation of a utility, as expressed within their Integrated Resource Plans, explain a significant amount of variability in the sustainability orientation of electric utilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonnie Wylie Pratt & Jon D. Erickson & Jane Kolodinsky & Erik Monsen & William J. Wales, 2022. "Shades of Green: Modelling Differences in Thought and Action among Electric Utility Regime Actors in the Energy System Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:20:p:13287-:d:943650
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    References listed on IDEAS

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