To strengthen the argument in the policy speech, we need to find a statement that supports the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Bill in reducing electricity costs for consumers and increasing the usage of renewable energy.
Let's examine each option:
(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
This option suggests that the reduction in costs might be due to global trends, not necessarily the Clean Energy Bill. While it supports the idea that renewable energy costs are decreasing, it doesn't directly link this decrease to the Clean Energy Bill.
(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
This option strengthens the argument by showing that before the bill, electricity costs were increasing at a higher rate. This context helps demonstrate the bill's positive impact by contrasting it with the prior trend.
(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
This option weakens the argument by highlighting the discontinuation of projects, suggesting potential inefficiencies in the bill's implementation.
(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
This option supports the argument by reinforcing that renewable energy sources, influenced by the Clean Energy Bill, are indeed cheaper compared to conventional sources during the same period, making the bill's impact more apparent.
(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
This option strengthens the argument by showing that in areas not affected by the bill, electricity costs have risen due to non-renewable energy, highlighting the bill's positive impact in reducing costs where it is implemented.
Both options (D) and (E) provide strong support for the argument, but the most direct and specific reinforcement comes from option (E) as it directly contrasts areas affected by the Clean Energy Bill with those that are not, emphasizing the bill's effectiveness in reducing electricity costs.Thus, the
answer is: E