[CEM 990 / August 22, 2008]

Higher RPS Could Produce Green Job Boom If State Policies Encourage Renewables

A report from the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies predicts that a 33 percent renewables portfolio standard could bring up to 400,000 jobs to the state, along with $60 billion in economic benefits-a sum equal to what others say the RPS would cost California. But regardless of the ultimate market price of electricity, renewable energy beats fossil-fuel power in at least one big economic indicator, according to CEERT-it creates up to six times as many jobs per MW installed, by some estimates. But to realize the benefits, the state needs to build wires, revise tax laws, and rework renewables pricing rules.

Commission Defines RECs, Utilities Look for Efficiency Earnings, SDG&E Says It Didn't Mislead on Sunrise

It's been a busy week at the California Public Utilities Commission. At its Thursday business meeting, the CPUC set a definition for renewable-energy credits but has not yet formed any rules on tradable RECs or on preventing double-counting-a concern to some parties as greenhouse-gas emissions regulation nears. Meanwhile, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates has concerns about investor-owned utilities' request to change a risk/reward incentive mechanism for energy-efficiency programs. And San Diego Gas & Electric objected to a ruling charging it with misleading CPUC staff on a Sunrise Powerlink route.

Bright Ideas: A Carbon-Free Development in Novato

Real estate developer American Assets Inc. of San Diego is planning to do an extreme makeover of a business park it bought in Novato that will become one of the first major mixed-used developments in the country to be completely off the grid and to achieve a "zero" carbon footprint. The complex, which will include residential housing, restaurants and retail shops, will be powered by a bio-digester using on-site-generated waste, including sewage and restaurant materials, as well as solar photovoltaic arrays.

Stalled Payment-Acceleration Reform Gets Put on Cal-ISO's Fast Track

Back in 2004, the California Independent System Operator issued a white paper to begin the process of revising the time schedule it uses to settle transactions. That effort was completely overshadowed by the market redesign and technology upgrade and all but forgotten. But the stakeholder process again revved up this week as talks got under way to condense the 80-day settlement cycle to 30 days or less. Such a move would eliminate the need for significant sums of money to hedge risks while waiting on settlements.

Also In California Energy Markets This Week . . .

• CEC Works to Complete Home Energy Rating Rules
• NRDC Sues Over Emissions Credits Again
• Summit Participants Urge Clean Energy Policy
• Energy Bill Battle Outlines Form in Congress

...And Much More!

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