Question

In response to the increasing cost of producing energy through traditional means, such as combustion, many utility companies have begun investing in renewable energy sources, chiefly wind and solar power, hoping someday to rely on them completely and thus lower energy costs. The utility companies claim that although these sources require significant initial capital investment, they will provide stable energy supplies at low cost. [As a result, these sources will be less risky for the utilities than nonrenewable sources, such as gas, oil, and coal, whose prices can fluctuate dramatically according to availability.]

The claim of the utility companies presupposes which of the following?

A. The public will embrace the development of wind and solar power
B. No new deposits of gas, oil, and coal will be discovered in the near future
C. Weather patterns are consistent and predictable
D. The necessary technology for conversion to wind and solar power is not more expensive than the technology needed to create energy through combustion
E. Obtaining energy from nonrenewable sources, such as gas, oil and coal, cannot be made less risky

Answer 1

The utility companies' claim presupposes that converting to renewable energy sources will eventually lead to lower operation costs and financial stability when compared to the volatile prices of nonrenewable sources, making it less risky despite the higher initial investment. Option E

Step-by-step explanation:

The utility companies' claim about the benefits of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power presupposes that the necessary technology for conversion to these energy sources is not more expensive over the long term than the technology required for energy production through combustion of nonrenewable sources.

These companies posit that renewable energy sources, after the initial capital investment, will lead to stable, low-cost energy supplies and present less financial risk compared to nonrenewable sources such as gas, oil, and coal, whose prices fluctuate significantly with market conditions.

The presumption does not necessarily imply that the public must universally embrace renewables (although that would likely be beneficial), that no new fossil fuel deposits will be found, or that weather patterns remain consistent (although consistent weather would benefit the predictability of wind and solar performance).

Of the options provided, the closest underlying assumption is that obtaining energy from renewable sources would be less risky in the long term despite high upfront costs. Option E