Enhancing state energy production : construction work in progress in energy infrastructure projects

The evolution of the U.S. electricity sector from its unregulated origins to its current state of joint and federal regulation reflects growing demand and the need for grid modernization. As states confront increasing energy shortages driven by broadband expansion, industrial growth, and outdated infrastructure, modernizing the electrical grid has become a central issue in energy policy discussions. One key area of focus is the difference in cost recovery mechanisms for construction projects, which significantly affects the scale and timing of infrastructure investments. This paper examines a specific cost recovery mechanism, Construction Work in Progress (CWIP), and evaluates its role in supporting timely and financially sustainable grid development. Using a comparative analysis of U.S. states with and without CWIP legislation, the study investigated whether CWIP adoption is associated with reduction is state-level energy deficits. The findings provide tentative evidence that CWIP legislation may have a positive impact on energy levels over time, though the results are limited and inconclusive. Overall, CWIP's effectiveness as a policy tool for enhancing energy reliability and infrastructure resilience is not conclusively determined.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agricultural and Applied Economics

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Duke, Kelsey

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Sykuta, Michael

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/111034

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/111034