The case competition focused on the expansion and construction of the Atlanta Beltline in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods. More specifically, participants had to develop a set of new policies that would help residents manage their transportation, energy and other utility costs while strengthening the electrical infrastructure. All participants were given one week to prepare a proposal assuming an estimated budget of $10 million from a federal grant.

The policy proposals were evaluated on four criteria: economic efficiency, sustainability, scalability, and proposal delivery. On all four criteria, Ghodeswar and Tsybina achieved top scores. The judges commented that the team did an excellent job identifying the current state of the energy grid infrastructure and coming up with a creative set of policy prescriptions. After visiting the neighborhood, meeting with Georgia Power employees, and conducting extensive research on successful policy architecture in other states, Ghodeswar and Tsybina developed an in-depth multi-pronged proposal. The policy recommendations included both tangible solutions such as providing rebates to residents for retrofitting their residential systems (attic insulation, thermostat replacement, water heater replacement, etc.) as well as plans to engage the community in behavioral change through K-12 voluntary at-home advocacy and leading by example, and other behavioral nudges encouraging habits that lead to energy savings.

“The case was a big success among the judges and the conference participants. The School of Economics could not be prouder of Eve and Archana for winning the CASE competition. This win raises the profile of the SOE around GT and will be a nice feather in each of their caps as they move toward completing their Ph.D.’s. I am personally thrilled by it because it is an indication that the field of energy economics is thriving in the SOE. Great job by two outstanding students!" said Associate Professor Matthew Oliver.