To accelerate the adoption of zero-carbon power, several regional utility regulators have proposed mandating that grid operators purchase all excess electricity generated by private industrial solar arrays at fixed, above-market rates. However, this policy will likely backfire and impede overall decarbonization goals. Because industrial solar generation peaks during hours when total grid demand is lowest, forcing operators to buy this energy shifts critical investment capital away from grid-scale energy storage infrastructure. Without adequate storage capacity, grid operators will be forced to curtail wind energy generation during peak evening hours, relying instead on fossil-fuel peaker plants to maintain grid stability.
In the argument given, the two bolded portions play which of the following roles?
- The first is a proposed policy that the argument aims to show will be counterproductive; the second is a premise offered to support the argument's main conclusion.Answer
- BThe first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a counterargument that challenges that conclusion.
- CThe first is a premise offered in support of a traditional view; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.
- DThe first is introductory background context that the author accepts as valid; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports a proposed alternative plan.
- EThe first is a judgment presented by the author in support of a regulatory goal; the second is evidence that refutes that judgment.