COM/LYN/epg Mailed 6/23/2003
Decision 03-06-071 June 19, 2003
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Order Instituting Rulemaking to Establish Policies and Cost Recovery Mechanisms for Generation Procurement and Renewable Resource Development. |
Rulemaking 01-10-024 (Filed October 25, 2001) |
ORDER INITIATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SENATE BILL 1078
RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
ORDER INITIATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SENATE BILL 1078
RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM 22
Preliminary Issue: Creditworthiness 44
Preliminary Issue: Renewable Energy Credits 88
Flexible Rules for Compliance 4040
Standard Contract Terms and Conditions 5555
Comments on Proposed Decision 6161
ORDER INITIATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SENATE BILL 1078
RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM
California Senate Bill (SB) 1078 established the California Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) Program, with a stated intent of attaining a target of 20 percent renewable energy for the State of California. To reach that goal, the legislation requires an increase in procurement of renewable energy of at least 1 percent per year. The Legislature found that increasing California's reliance on renewable energy resources may have significant economic, social, health, and environmental benefits. (Pub. Util. Code § 399.11.) SB 1078 requires the Commission to adopt, not later than six months after its effective date: 1) a process for determining the market price of electricity; 2) a process that provides criteria for the rank ordering and selection of least-cost and best-fit renewable resources to comply with the annual obligations of the RPS program; 3) flexible rules for compliance in cases of excess or inadequate annual procurement; and 4) standard contract terms and conditions. (Pub. Util. Code § 399.14(a)(2).) This decision takes these first steps in the process of implementing SB 1078.
Procedural Background
Consistent with SB 1078, the Commission is working collaboratively with the California Energy Commission (CEC) in this proceeding. (See, Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ's) Ruling Issuing Workplan and Collaboration Guidelines, dated February 3, 2003.)
Because of the statutory deadline, this proceeding had a highly expedited schedule, particularly given the complexity of the tasks involved:
February 25, 2003 Workshop: Developing Flexible Compliance
Mechanisms
March 4 Workshop: Determining the Market Price Referents
March 11 Workshop: Establishing Standard Contract Terms and
Conditions
March 18 Workshop: Defining Least Cost and Best Fit and Bid
Ranking Criteria
March 27 Testimony
April 7-16 Evidentiary Hearings
April 28 Concurrent Opening Briefs
May 5 Concurrent Reply Briefs
May 20 Proposed Decision
