On April 20th, the Oregon Public Utility Commission held its first meeting concerning implementation features of Oregon’s recent legislation (SB 1547) that increased the state’s renewable portfolio standard (with companion features covering community solar, EVs, etc.). At this meeting, the PUC discussed its draft implementation plan and took comments from interested parties. The draft plan from the PUC outlined the following issues and timeline.
- Coal to Clean
Proposed Action: Review of depreciation schedules to reflect changes
Timeframe: Undetermined
- Renewable Portfolio Standard
Proposed Action: OAR 860-083 Rulemakings regarding:
- Competitive Bidding Guidelines
- Renewable Energy Certificate banking
- Electricity Service Supplier REC banking
- Associated energy storage (order or rule)
Timeframe: Varied, generally commencing late Summer 2016
Proposed Action: Interim RPS Implementation Projections 2017-2040
Timeframe: Spring 2016
- Reliability
Proposed Action: None, investigation may be opened upon motion by the Commission or utility
Timeframe: N/A
- Small-Scale Community-Based Renewables
Proposed Action: Likely rulemaking
Timeframe: Likely Fall 2017
- Energy Efficiency
Proposed Action: None, currently in Commission order
- Demand Response
Proposed Action: Likely an investigation or rulemaking
Timeframe: Likely Fall 2017
- Transportation Electrification
Proposed Action: Rulemaking (manner and form of applications)
Timeframe: Rulemaking May 2016-September 2016; Application review January 2017-TBD
- Community Solar
Proposed Action: Rulemaking
Timeframe: August 2016-June 2017
- Solar Capacity Standard
Proposed Action: Rulemaking to remove standard from rules
Timeframe: June-September 2016
- Reports to the Legislature
Proposed Action: Investigation and Report on impacts of SB 1547
Timeframe: Through 2021 (due no later than December 31, 2021)
Proposed Action: Report on Community Solar
Timeframe: June-December 2018 (due no later than January 1, 2019)
Other Related Actions:
1. RPS Implementation Plans 2016
Timeframe: Jan.-June 2016
2. PacifiCorp Integrated Resource Plan Action Plan
Timeframe: March-July 2016
3. Revision of Renewable Avoided Cost Numbers
Timeframe: March-June 2016