The New York Renewable Portfolio Standard

 

Higley hydroelectric station - Photo Courtesy of Brookfield Power

A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a policy that seeks to increase the proportion of renewable electricity used by retail customers. New York State’s goal is to reach 25% by 2013. NYSERDA is responsible for getting to 24% of the ultimate 25% goal. The remaining 1% is expected to come from individuals and businesses who choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to support renewable energy.

RPS energy targets for the 24% goal fall into two groups:

• Main Tier or Large Scale Generators - Large scaled generators that sell power to the wholesale grid
  • Eligibility
  • Current/Past Solicitations
    
    
• Customer-Sited Tier - small scaled generators such as a photovoltaic (PV) system on a residence

Main Tier / Large Scale Generators

Maple Ridge Wind Farm - Photo Courtesy of Horizon Wind Energy/IBERDROLA RENEWABLES Inc.

As of June 30, 2008, NYSERDA has completed three competitive Main Tier solicitations which have resulted in thirty large-scale electricity generators participating in the RPS. The total new renewable capacity associated with these thirty large-scale renewable generators could reach nearly 1,340 megawatts (MW) by late 2009. Of these thirty renewable electricity generators, fifteen are now operating, and eleven are under construction. The remaining four are expected to be operating by the end of 2009.

For a generating facility to be eligible for Main Tier program procurements, it must meet the generation type and fuel source eligibility requirements as defined and clarified by the PSC in its June 28, 2006 Order. The PSC orders issued for Case 03-E-0188 are the controlling authority for all determinations of eligibility of projects participating in the NYS RPS.

Please see our eligibility requirements for more Main Tier information.

Customer-Sited Tier

The RPS program supports active open-enrollment incentive programs for photovoltaics (PV), anaerobic digester gas (ADG) systems at farms and wastewater treatment facilities, fuel cells and small wind turbines.  These “behind-the-meter” renewable systems are supported through the following initiatives:

• Bergey WindPower turbine - Photo courtesy of Bergey Windpower Company and Michael and Shaun Lord

  Customers interested in installing PV or small wind can work with one of NYSERDA's eligible installers through Power...Naturally. Incentives are available through the solar and wind installers.
  
  
• Up to $1 million per anaerobic digester is available through PON 1146.
  
  
• Up to $1 million per fuel cell system is available through PON 1150.