Current law requires utilities to increase purchases of renewable energy such that at least 33 percent of total retail sales are procured from renewable energy resources by December 31, 2020. This is known as the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). Current law defines a variety of different technologies as RPS eligible, such as biomass, solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, and geothermal. Senate Bill 1139 (Hueso) would create a 500 megawatt (MW) procurement requirement for new geothermal – in essence, a mandate that power providers purchase a certain amount of a certain type of renewable energy to meet their requirements under the RPS. RCRC is seeking member county comments and positions on this proposal.
Since many RCRC counties have existing biomass facilities with contracts nearing expiration, RCRC staff thought it pertinent to bring the measure to member counties’ attention as there are potential concerns that the bill may inadvertently affect the biomass generation industry.
Please direct questions about this request and/or comments regarding SB 1139 (Hueso) to RCRC Legislative Advocate Cyndi Hillery at (916) 447-4806 or chillery@rcrcnet.org.