81R9767 TRH-F
By: Farabee H.B. No. 2850
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to goals for renewable energy capacity derived from
renewable energy sources other than sources using wind energy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 39.904(a) and (o), Utilities Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) It is the intent of the legislature that by January 1,
2015, an additional 5,000 megawatts of generating capacity from
renewable energy technologies will have been installed in this
state. The cumulative installed renewable capacity in this state
shall total 5,880 megawatts by January 1, 2015, and the commission
shall establish a goal [target] of 10,000 megawatts of installed
renewable capacity by January 1, 2025. The cumulative installed
renewable capacity in this state shall total 2,280 megawatts by
January 1, 2007, 3,272 megawatts by January 1, 2009, 4,264
megawatts by January 1, 2011, 5,256 megawatts by January 1, 2013,
and 5,880 megawatts by January 1, 2015. Of the renewable energy
technology generating capacity installed to meet the goal of this
subsection after September 1, 2005, the commission shall establish
a goal [target] of having at least 3,000 [500] megawatts of capacity
from a renewable energy technology other than a source using wind
energy.
(o) The commission may establish an alternative compliance
payment. An entity that has a renewable energy purchase
requirement under this section may elect to pay the alternative
compliance payment instead of applying renewable energy credits
toward the satisfaction of the entity's obligation under this
section. The commission may establish a separate alternative
compliance payment for the goal of 3,000 [500] megawatts of
capacity from renewable energy technologies other than wind energy.
The alternative compliance payment for a renewable energy purchase
requirement that could be satisfied with a renewable energy credit
from wind energy may not be less than $2.50 per credit or greater
than $20 per credit. Prior to September 1, 2009, an alternative
compliance payment under this subsection may not be set above $5 per
credit. In implementing this subsection, the commission shall
consider:
(1) the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
retail competition;
(2) the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
electric rates;
(3) the effect of the alternative compliance payment
level on the renewable energy credit market; and
(4) any other factors necessary to ensure the
continued development of the renewable energy industry in this
state while protecting ratepayers from unnecessary rate increases.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.