VII. Close Proceeding and Move Record to New OIR

We began our work implementing the RPS program in R.01-10-024. We opened this proceeding, R.04-04-026, in April 2004 to continue implementation of the RPS program. On December 16, 2004, the Assigned Commissioner issued the Scoping Memo in R.04-04-026, identifying the next steps to be taken in RPS program development.

Through March 2006, we have issued 13 decisions in R.04-04-026. We have addressed many issues including adoption of an MPR methodology; adoption of standard terms and conditions; adoption of criteria for selection of LCBF renewable resources; conditional approval of Plans and RFOs for the 2005 solicitations; conditional approval of the long-term Plans; establishing the basic parameters for participation of energy service providers, community choice aggregators, and small and multi-jurisdictional utilities; and adoption of the 2005 MPR methodology. We have now accomplished most, if not all, of the goals stated in the Scoping Memo.

In February 2006, we opened R.06-02-012 to continue our work on RECs, as well as the RPS program for other electric corporations (e.g., energy service providers). We simultaneously, or will soon, open another new proceeding to continue implementation of the RPS program for limited, specific other issues. For example, we will address possible improvements to the reporting methodology based on a staff White Paper, plus comments and reply comments filed in March 2006, in this proceeding. Also, the assigned ALJ will rule on pending motions for confidentiality (most likely after release of our upcoming order in R.05-06-040). To facilitate that effort, and take full advantage of the work already done by parties here without requiring that work to be redone, we incorporate the entire record from R.04-04-026 into the new OIR.

As a result, all issues which need to be addressed in R.04-04-026 are resolved. R.04-04-026 is closed.