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NEWS (Updated)
November 29, 2011
Renewable Energy Procurement Plan Approved at November 21, 2011 PUB Meeting
At its November 21, 2011 public meeting, the Public Utilities Board approved a revised Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) policy for the city’s electric utility, Alameda Municipal Power. The RPS policy updates the utility’s previous RPS policy, which was originally approved by the Board in 2003. That policy stated the intent of the utility to obtain at least 40% of its electrical energy from renewable resources, including large hydroelectric facilities. Recognizing that current state law regarding RPS procurement (Senate Bill 1X2) does not recognize large hydroelectric resources as a qualifying resource, AMP’s new RPS policy will no longer count large hydro as an RPS resource. Under the new RPS policy, the percentage of eligible renewable power used to supply AMP’s retail end-use customers will be maintained at: - no less than an average of 25% for the period 2011 through 2013
- an average of 35% for the period 2014 through 2016
- an average of 40% each year thereafter, exceeding the requirements of SB 1X2
The policy allows AMP to continue to hold more renewable and carbon free power in its supply mix compared to other electric utilities in California while maintaining competitive rates. BackgroundOn April 12, 2011, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 1X2, establishing a new Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 33% by 2020 for all load serving entities in California. Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), as a public utility, is covered under the new law. SB 1X2 establishes minimum quantities of renewables that load serving entities must procure through 2020 ranging from 20% of retail sales by 2013 to 33% by 2020. Each load serving entity covered under the new law, including AMP, is required to develop and implement a Renewable Energy Procurement Plan.
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