Sarah Taheri/Le-Quyen Nguyen

Emerging Renewables Program

DAWG 12-10-2012

Emerging Renewables Program (Energy Commission)(program is closed)– The California Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) was initiated in 1998 and provided incentives to grid-connected PV systems, small wind, and renewably fueled fuel cells smaller than 30 kW in capacity. ERP installed approximately 91 MW of PV capacity through 2006. An additional 29 MW installed during 2007 and 2008 as the PV portion of the program wound down and was replaced by the CSI program and the NSHP.In accordance with the changes to law under Senate Bill 1018, the Energy Commission is taking immediate steps to close out the Emerging Renewables Program. To this end, the Energy Commission will no longer accept new rebate reservation applications for systems using small wind turbines or renewable fuel cells. Applications for rebate reservations that were received and approved by the Energy Commission on or before June 27, 2012, were processed and issued rebate reservations. Applications for rebate reservations that were received by the Energy Commission on or after June 28, 2012, will not be processed.

1.What is the regulatory context for the program?The Emerging Renewables Program was established to help develop self-sustaining renewable energy markets by reducing the net cost of on-site renewable energy systems to end-use consumers, and thereby stimulating demand and increased sales of such systems.

When did it start? What is the funding/approval cycle?The ERP started in 1998.Funding for this program was established through the Public Goods Charge, and was continuously appropriated to the Energy Commission. However, the legislature did not reauthorize the Public Goods Charge in 2011, so the Energy Commission no longer collects funds for this program. Moreover, the Energy Commission has been mandated to close out the ERP through the enactment of the Budget Act of 2012 (June 27, 2012).
Are there numerical goals and targets associated with the program?No.
Briefly, how is the program implemented and regulated?The program is designed and administered by Energy Commission staff.
Are any important changes anticipated?No. Pursuant to SB 1018 and the Budget Act of 2012, the Emerging Renewables Program shut down. As a result, the Energy Commission is no longer accepting new applications and will not be making any changes to the program.

2.How is DG capacity tracked and reported?ERP only collects installed capacity data; no generation data is reported.

Which regulatory proceeding(s) are involved?The ERP is part of the Energy Commission’s SB 1038 Proceeding regarding the Continuation of the Renewable Energy Program (Docket #02-REN-1038).
What is the reporting cycle?System capacity must be reported when the incentive application is submitted.
Whatinformation is reported? (e.g., kW capacity, cost, usage )System size (watts – nameplate capacity), system cost, equipment manufacturer and model,

3.Are program impacts estimated? If so, who constructs the estimates?No. However, some policy reports make an attempt at estimating impacts (e.g. IEPR, California Clean Energy Future)

4.What customer information is reported? Name, installation address, social security number or federal tax ID (depending on who is receiving the payment)

5.Have energy or peak impacts been estimated for this year, and in recent years?No.

6.Are future load impacts estimated? From a qualitative perspective, how likely are the goals and targets to be achieved? No.

7.Do you interact with or provide data to other organizations, such as utilities?Yes, we can provide most of the data if it is requested. There are some data fields which we are not able to share due to confidentiality issues.