Implications of State Climate Change Policies for the Utility Sector Josh Bushinsky State Solutions Fellow Pew Center on Global Climate Change September 24, 2004
The landscape of state policies State authority Restructuring Direct and indirect GHG emission reductions –Renewable Energy Mandates –Net Metering –Public Benefit Funds –Green pricing –Regional initiatives
Renewable Energy Mandates WI: 2.2% by 2011 TX: 2000 MW new by 2009 PA: varies by utility NJ: 6.5% by 2008 CT: 10% by 2010 MA: 4% new by 2009 ME: 30% by 2000 NM: 10% by 2011 MN: Xcel 1125 MW wind by 2010 AZ: 1.1% by 2007 CA: 20% by 2017 NV: 15% by 2013 IA: 105 MW States with renewable energy mandates States with mandates under consideration MD: 7% by 2017 HI: 20% by 2020 NY: 24% by 2013
Net Metering Rules
Public Benefit Funds Funds that support energy efficiency Funds that support energy efficiency and renewable energy Funds in development
Green Pricing Programs Mandatory Green Pricing Programs
Regional Initiatives States participating in RGGI States observing the RGGI process States participating in the West Coast Governors’ Initiative and WREGIS States participating in WREGIS
Opportunities and Challenges Opportunities –New Markets Renewable Energy Credits Offsets for RGGI, OR, WA –Policy innovation Challenges –Potential for “patchwork” –Uncertainty for investment decisions
Looking forward Utility engagement with state and regional initiatives Incorporate lessons from the states Comprehensive federal policy
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