Current Legislation:
Independent
Analysis of California’s Executive Order
The Renewable Energy Accountability Project’s
2009
REAP applauds the Governor for increasing the renewable portfolio standard to 33% as well as streamlining the permitting process of renewable energy projects.
However, the Executive Order does not address penalties for electricity providers if they do not meet RPS requirements. The Executive Order needs to set up a monitoring process in which a lead state agency is responsible for real compliance by the Big Utilities.
REAP activists will monitor the key requirements of the Executive Order and report frequently on progress or lack of compliance.
Executive Order S-14-08 also does not address the calculation and use of a Market Price Referent (MPR) and fails to direct the CPUC to consider the cost benefits of including renewable energy prices written into the MPR. REAP strongly believes that having a Market Price Referent must calculate the cost impact of renewable energy sources.
What the Executive Order Does Include:
Executive Order S-14-08 increases the targets of the current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).
Significant features:
- Increases RPS from 20% by 2010 to 33% by 2020 for all electricity providers, including publicly-owned providers.
- Removes the red tape by streamlining the application process for renewable energy development by creating a joint Renewable Energy Action Team of the California Energy Commission and the Department of Fish and Game.
- Directs state agencies to create comprehensive plans in order to prioritize renewable projects within specified regions in order to protect plant and animal habitats.
- Establishes a timeline including creating the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan by December 1st, 2008.
- Requires that all state regulatory agencies give priority to renewable energy projects.
-March 1, 2009, identification of high-priority areas within California by the Renewable Energy Action Team which shall be published.
-January 1st, 2009, the energy commission will provide an estimate of total retail electricity sales within California, updating the report every two years thereafter.