Sandia approached AEA to assist in developing a model for increasing the use of clean renewable energy through an expansion of the nation’s “smart” electrical grid. AEA analyzed both state and national legal and policy frameworks to identify incentives, choke points, and areas where governmental standards need to be strengthened. With a focus on renewable energy integration into the electric power grid, petroleum imports and usage, transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, AEA’s analysis has included identifying over 160 programs, intended impact sectors and variables, timeline/lifecycle segments, implementation processes, anticipatory effects and the roles of legacy legislation. AEA also provided information on the phases of construction and financing of developing solar and wind farms, include timelines and expenses from conception to completion.