California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: Res E-4414

CPUC ESTABLISHES PLANS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AUCTIONS

SAN FRANCISCO, August 18, 2011 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved the program details to implement the Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM), a new procurement method that will help lower transaction costs and promote the development of system-side renewable distributed generation projects of up to 20 megawatts (MW) in size.

RAM has five key program elements:

· Standard Contract - simple, non-negotiable contract that the CPUC pre-approves

· Project Viability - seller must meet minimum criteria to participate in the auction

· Market-Based Pricing - bids are selected on price, starting with the lowest price bid until the auction capacity cap is reached

· Streamlined Procurement - CPUC staff can approve executed contracts through a Tier 2 advice letter

· Transparency

o Interconnection maps show available capacity on electrical system

o Annual program forums to solicit program feedback

o Utility reporting requirements on the auction response and project development milestones of executed contracts

The program has an interim 1,000 MW procurement target over two years and requires investor-owned utilities to hold two auctions per year. The first auction will take place the fourth quarter of 2011.

The proposal voted on is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/AGENDA_RESOLUTION/141513.htm.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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