[CEM 1093 / August 27, 2010]

CPUC Resurrects TRECs; Feed-In Tariff for Renewables Advances

A draft decision at the California Public Utilities Commission would lift a freeze the commission enacted soon after setting rules on tradable renewable-energy credits last spring. The ruling, from CPUC President Michael Peevey, would also raise the limit on the amount of TRECs that investor-owned utilities can use to count toward the renewables portfolio standard from 25 percent to 40 percent. A ratepayer group has called the move a negotiating tactic from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to pressure lawmakers on pending legislation that would codify a 33 percent RPS and set the amount of in-state and out-of-state generation allowed. Meanwhile, a separate CPUC decision aims to launch a feed-in-tariff effort for 1,000 MW of renewables using a market-based auction tool with non-negotiable bids in which utilities must take the lowest-cost offers.

CEC Approves License for Beacon: First Solar Thermal Permit in 20 Years

Whew. After a 27-month licensing process, the California Energy Commission approved a construction permit for NextEra's 250 MW Beacon Solar Energy Project in Kern County. It is the first large-scale solar-thermal project to be licensed in 20 years. The CEC in the past month has recommended approving 2.8 GW of solar projects in the state. On the solar-photovoltaics front, San Luis Obispo County this week issued a draft environmental impact report for SunPower's 250 MW California Valley Solar Ranch that recommended a scaled-down version of the plant. And a big fossil-fuel plant-Mirant Corp.'s 760 MW Marsh Landing Generating Station in Contra Costa County-also was approved for a license at the CEC.

FERC Considers How to Refine Cal-ISO Wires Planning

The California Independent System Operator's revised transmission-planning process will likely undergo further refinement following a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission technical conference on the plan Aug. 24. At issue is how Cal-ISO develops a conceptual transmission plan; the role of independent developers versus utilities in building transmission; and whether or not to adopt a cost cap on proposed wires projects.

LADWP Gives Up Legislative Fix on Once-Through Cooling

Also In California Energy Markets This Week . . .

• LADWP Gives Up Legislative Fix on OTC
• Senate Energy's Murkowski Endangered in Election
• Quick Bites: CPUC Approves Green Energy Deals
• SCPPA Sells Bonds for Windy Flats Project

...And Much More!

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