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The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a regulatory framework that requires states to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable energy sources. For instance, under its RPS, California aims to generate twenty percent of its electricity from qualifying renewable energy sources by December 31, 2010. To accomplish this goal, most state RPS programs require utilities to buy a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. One of the key elements of an RPS is the types of energy sources that qualify as renewable. Typically, solar and wind are the most preferred renewable energy sources in an RPS. Since the goal of an RPS is to encourage the development of new renewable energy sources, most states don't let existing hydropower qualify. However, each state treats hydropower in its own way. In some states, hydropower is restricted by size (e.g. 200 MW in Vermont) while in others it is restricted by technology (e.g. pumped storage does not qualify in Maryland). The Coalition supports inclusion of following types of hydropower in an RPS standard:
However, we do not support inclusion of hydropower generated from new dam construction or capacity added through operational changes (e.g. a change to release schedule). More information on what types of hydropower should be considered renewable and eligible for incentives is available on our "Hydropower and Renewable Energy Policy" paper. In various states, attempts are being made to include existing hydropower to be eligible for RPS. This is problematic because such a move would do nothing to create new renewable energy sources. Many of the utilities will be able to claim their existing hydro portfolio as being eligible under the RPS and could easily meet their targets without developing new sources of renewable energy, which would defeat the purpose of an RPS. Click here to download a summary table of hydropower provisions in an RPS for various states in the United States. The map below gives an overview of the state Renewable Portfolio Standards and the hydropower provisions within the RPS.
Related News
More Hydropower Projects Seek LIHI Certification
By: Rupak Thapaliya Monday January 4, 2010
Key Words: Bear River | Brookfield | Connecticut River | Deerfield River | Lewis River | LIHI | low impact | PacifiCorp | renewable energy | Rogue River | Snake River
Project:
Merwin : P-935 | Bear River : P-20 | Cutler Plant : P-2420
The last day of 2009 saw seven hydropower projects filing their application for certification with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute. In 2009 alone, the Institute issued certifications for nine projects throughout the country. So far, there are 46 LIHI certified projects in 24 states.
 Three More Hydroelectric Projects Qualify as Low Impact
Project:
Chace Mill : P-2756
The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has certified three more projects that meet their low-impact certification criteria. The three projects are Winooski in Vermont, Farmers Irrigation District in Oregon; and the Robertson and Ashuelot in New Hampshire.
Efficiency Improvement Qualifies Piney Hydro Project for Tax Credits
Project:
Piney : P-309
FERC issued a certification order yesterday confirming increased generation in the Piney hydroelectric project through efficiency improvement. The project is located on the Clarion River in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.
LIHI Seeks Public Comments on Revised CriteriaThe Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization based in Maine, is currently reviewing its certification criteria. LIHI is also looking for public comments on the revised criteria. The public comment period ends on June 29, 2009. For more information visit www.lowimpacthydro.org Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy GoalsThe end of Washington's 2009 legislative session saw constituent based Initiative 937 protected and still in effect -- but not without almost daily changes to both energy and river impacts. HRC Position on Renewable Energy PoliciesHRC POSITION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES The Hydropower Reform Coalition has published a position statement describing what types of hydropower deserve incentives and how hydropower fits in a renewable energy policy. Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy GoalsHydropower and Washington’s Renewable In support of Washington's citizen based Initiative 937 (promoting development of renewable energy and the new jobs, investment, science and economy this would mean for the state), the Hydropower Reform Coalition developed this Hydropower FAQ to offset the call to build new dams and to allow these dams to be eligible to review renewable energy credits.
LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS How Low-Power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers
By: Rich Bowers Friday April 17, 2009
Region: National Key Words: climate change | economic impacts | environmental impacts | hydropower dams | renewable energy | small dams | subsidies LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS Hydopower Reform Coalition's paper on how Low-Power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers.
Whether it is in response to the environmental crisis of climate change or our overreliance on imported fuels, it is clear that America needs to act quickly to replace fossil fuel energy technologies with renewable energy. It is equally imperative, however, that we do not destroy the environment we are trying to save by blindly rushing to develop low-emissions energy sources that will result in serious environmental harm. We will not solve our energy problems by building new dams – especially inefficient low-power dams where the energy benefits fail to outweigh the environmental impacts – but we will cause irreparable harm to our rivers. New York Project Will Receive Production Tax Credits
By: Rupak Thapaliya Friday April 17, 2009
Region: Great Lakes Key Words: capacity addition | economic valuations | EPAct | production tax credits | Raquette River | renewable energy States: New York
Project:
Lower Raquette River : P-2330
The additional generation at Raquette River project in New York will now be eligible to receive tax credits under EPAct 2005.
PPL Revives Plan To Expand Holtwood Project
Project:
Holtwood : P-1881
After withdrawing its application to add capacity to its Holtwood Project last year, PPL Corporation is now looking to revisit the plan.
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