Press Release

PUC Takes Additional Steps to Implement Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act

Published on 1/27/2006

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – Continuing with its implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS), the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today designated a registry for alternative energy credit transactions and also asked for public comment on additional standards and processes.

The Commission designated PJM Environmental Services, Inc.’s Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) as the credits registry. GATS is a regional, internet-based information system that tracks the environmental attributes of generation and supports reporting, compliance and verification requirements under AEPS. Use of GATS will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure the Commission is utilizing a cost-effective system that best satisfies the AEPS requirements.

The Commission also adopted a tentative order that proposes standards and processes for qualifying alternative energy systems and certifying alternative energy credits as required under AEPS. The order will allow for a 30-day comment period from the date of publication. The Commission will publish the order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Following the comment period and a review of the comments filed, the Commission will issue a final order on the standards and processes.

AEPS took effect on Feb. 28, 2005, and requires that a certain percentage of all electric energy sold to retail customers be derived from alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and demand side management resources.  The law applies to both electric distribution companies (EDCs) and electric generation suppliers (EGSs), who must demonstrate their compliance on an annual basis.  The level of alternative energy required gradually increases according to a 15-year schedule. 

AEPS requires the Commission to develop certain of these standards and regulations, which are considered with the input of EDCs; EGSs; industrial consumers; the Office of Consumer Advocate; the Office of Small Business Advocate; the state Department of Environmental Protection and other stakeholders.  The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Working Group also meets to assist the Commission in implementing AEPS. More information about the implementation of AEPS is available at http://www.puc.state.pa.us/electric/electric_alt_energy_port_stnds.aspx.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

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Docket No.      M-00051865

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