Perfected

SCS/SB 54 - This act creates the Green Power Initiative. Electric companies shall make good-faith efforts toward meeting the following renewable energy targets:

• 3% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2012;

• 7% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2015; and

• 10% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2020.

Electricity generation from renewable sources prior to August 28, 2007 may be counted toward the targets, provided they continue to be used.

The act directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop standards for measuring electric companies' progress in meeting the targets. The standards must protect against adverse economic impacts on the companies and reliability of service, as well as consider environmental compliance costs and technical feasibility. The PSC shall also develop a weighted scale that gives more credit to renewable energy technologies the PSC determines to be in the public's best interest.

The act establishes reporting requirements until 2022. Electric companies are required to report every two years on their progress toward meeting the targets. The PSC is required to report every two years on the progress made by electric companies and give recommendations for legislative action. The director of the Department of Economic Development shall report every two years on the impact of this progress on the state economy and the director of the Department of Natural Resources shall report every two years on the environmental impact of this progress.

This act is similar to SCS/SB 915 (2006).

ERIKA JAQUES


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