California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: hydroelectric generation facilities.
The implications of AB 2809 on state law relate primarily to the broadened eligibility criteria for hydroelectric facilities within the state's renewable energy framework. With the changes proposed, local publicly owned electric utilities will need to adapt their renewable energy procurement plans to comply with the amended definitions and the associated compliance periods. This will likely lead to an increase in hydroelectric energy procurement and could catalyze growth in the installation and operation of larger hydroelectric facilities in California.
Assembly Bill No. 2809, introduced by Assembly Member Patterson, seeks to amend certain sections of the California Public Utilities Code concerning renewable energy, particularly focusing on hydroelectric generation facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the definition of eligible renewable energy resources to expand the eligibility of hydroelectric facilities, permitting those generating more than 30 megawatts to be included as eligible resources under the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program. This is a significant shift as the prior definition only included smaller hydroelectric facilities, effectively opening the door for larger operations to contribute to California's renewable energy goals.
Notably, while the bill aims to enhance renewable energy generation through hydroelectric resources, it may bring up discussions regarding environmental concerns. Expanding the definition could provoke debates around the potential environmental impacts associated with larger hydroelectric projects, including effects on local ecosystems, streamflow alterations, and water usage. Advocates for renewable energy will likely argue this is a necessary step for meeting energy goals, while environmental groups may express apprehension over the potential adverse effects of increased hydroelectric generation.