Highest-capacity wind In ordering the study, Energy Secretary Rick Perry directed his department to determine whether federal subsidies that encourage wind and solar energy — and the way wholesale markets value different energy sources — are putting conventional power plants at a disadvantage and threatening the stability of the grid. “He understands that a reliable, resilient and affordable electric system — using all of our domestic resources, including renewables — is essential.” The department would not comment on how Mr. McCormack and Mr. Fisher would influence the study. “New plants would have to meet a tougher test, a market-price test, that can’t be masked in part by that subsidy.” Though some energy analysts and executives say it is unlikely that the Trump administration will seek to undo the federal tax credit — which is set to phase out by 2020 — high-ranking Energy Department officials involved in the study have taken part in efforts to diminish support for renewables. While he backed state control of market policies as Texas governor, he said at a conference in April that “the boot’s on the other foot now.” Energy experts say that without the credit and other favorable subsidies, mandates and market policies in place, wind development and production will be threatened. Those include Mr. Perry’s chief of staff, Brian McCormack, whom Mr. Perry directed to initiate the study, and another appointee, Travis Fisher, who is overseeing it, according to a former Energy Department official who is one of its advisers.
