States On Their Own | Green Energy News

September 26, 2004 – Vol.9 No.27

STATES ON THEIR OWN.

On opposite shores of the U.S. mandates are now officially underway to cut emissions and adopt renewable energy.

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has formalized the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The Commission has agreed to increase electricity generated from renewables sources sold to consumers to at least 25 percent by 2013 .

To meet the target the state will have to add 3700 megawatts of renewable capacity to the energy mix by then. New capacity can be built or purchased.

The Commission has broken the mandate into two sections to add the renewable capacity which will be added together to meet the Standard. A Main Tier will focus on grid-connected utility-run renewable power. A Customer-Sited Tier will focus on behind-the-meter technologies; small-scale renewable power generation for home or business.

Applicable technologies for the Main Tier include wind, solar, biogas, biofuels and ocean energy. Individuals will be able to include solar, fuel cells or wind power.

Waste-to-energy is applicable too as long as it’s only bio-based waste. Other waste must be separated out.

With the RPS extending to home-generated electricity, as well as utilities, look for business opportunities to sprout in both sectors. Visit the PSC at http://www.dps.state.ny.us/

On the Pacific coast the City of San Francisco has developed a Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

In the transportation sector the plan includes encouraging people to ride public transit, use ride-sharing services, walk, bicycle or switch to highly fuel-efficient vehicles.

For buildings the plan includes an increase in incentives, direct installation and technical assistance to add energy efficient technologies. Education and outreach will be extended and changes in legislation, codes and standards will be made to encourage energy efficiency.

The city will look to develop renewable energy projects as well as purchase green power. The city, too, will conduct pilot projects for emerging technologies.

The city will also expand its recycling programs.

Overall, San Francisco expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2.5 million tons each year by 2012. Visit the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at http://sfwater.org/ .