Oregon Renewable Portfolio Standard
Requirements for renewable energy
To promote the development of new renewable resources and decrease reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, Oregon passed a law in 2007 that created a renewable portfolio standard (RPS).
The law established that Pacific Power and other large utilities in Oregon would increase development and use of renewable energy sources. The RPS requires large utilities to have electricity from qualifying sources of at least 5 percent by 2011, 15 percent by 2015, 20 percent by 2020 and 25 percent by 2025.
These goals do not include the renewable energy certificates purchased on behalf of our voluntary Blue Sky renewable energy program and Blue Sky customers.
Oregon's Rules & Guidelines for the Implementation Plan & Compliance Report
Renewable Energy Certificates explained
When renewable energy is generated, it creates electricity that is delivered to the power grid – sent out across poles and wires to all customers. Renewable “attributes” (specific information about the renewable energy generated, including what type of renewable technology it is and when and at what facility it was generated) are tracked through the creation of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Generally, one REC is issued for each megawatt-hour (MWh) unit of renewable electricity produced.
How Pacific Power is meeting the RPS
Pacific Power is actively acquiring cost-effective, new renewable resources that will be used to comply with Oregon’s RPS – building wind farms and other renewable generation or contracting through power purchase agreements.
We provide a RPS Implementation Plan on or before January 1 of even-numbered years, beginning with January 1, 2010.
In addition, we submit a RPS Compliance Report, on or before June 1 of every year, beginning with June 1, 2012.