For Immediate Release: December 9, 1997
Media Contact: Claudia Chandler -- 916 654-4989
Attention Editors: Last Occasion This Year to Cover a Sacramento-datelined
Electricity Restructuring Story
"Green" Power Protection for Consumers
Topic at Public Hearing
When & Where:
10 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 1997
Hearing Room A, California Energy Commission, 1516 Ninth Street, Sacramento.
What:
The California Energy Commission's Renewable Program Committee holds a public hearing to set its course in certifying and labeling what is being called "green" power for consumers when the electric industry opens up to competition January 1.
Who:
Major players in the renewable energy industry, the utilities, marketers and environmental groups will attend to share their viewpoints on "green" energy certification to protect consumers.
Why:
When the $23-billion electricity market becomes competitive next year, consumers for the first time will be able to choose renewable energy from environmentally friendly sources. Consumers are already being bombarded by marketers to switch to electricity providers offering to sell electricity from wind, solar, geotheral, small hydroelectric and biomass sources. While the renewables industry has created a voluntary "Green e" label for renewables, there is not yet an official certification program with the force of law behind it.
Background:
The hearing will finalize plans to certify and label what is being called "green" power and to offer subsidies or rebates to those choosing renewable energy. It is part of the Energy Commission's mandate under Senate Bills 90 and 1305. SB 90 authorizes the Commission to implement $540 million in renewable energy projects and $248 million in public interest research. SB 1305 authorizes the Energy Commission to take the lead in implementing requirements for sellers of electricity to inform consumers about the energy sources of their electricity being offered for sale. The legislation ensures that consumers receive adequate protection while selecting their electricy provider.
Note to Editors:
The all-day hearing will recess at 11:30 a.m. to enable reporters
to interview Commissioners and industry participants.
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