It is important to note that photovoltaic module prices have increased through much of 2005-2006, as shown in Figure 1, due to a number of market conditions. In particular, the heavy demand from Europe (especially Germany) and Japan has resulted in product shortages and higher prices.
[1] Source: Solarbuzz Inc., www.solarbuzz.com, August 28, 2006.
Table 3 lists the RPS contracts for new, re-powered, or re-started renewable energy that have been approved by, or submitted to, the CPUC as of October 3, 2006. The table includes both contracts resulting from competitive solicitations, and bilateral contracts negotiated between the utility and the developer. All but two contracts are priced below the market price referent.
Table 3. IOU RPS Contracts for New, Re-powered, or Re-started Renewables by Technology
(In Megawatts)
| PG&E | SCE | SDG&E | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 251 | 181 - 352 | 357 | 789 - 960 |
| Biogas | 5 - 10 | 6 | 38 | 49 - 54 |
| Geothermal | 356 - 454 | 230 - 320 | 20 | 606 - 794 |
| Biomass | 91 - 111 | 58 - 138 | 49 | 198 - 298 |
| Solar Thermal Electric | 0 | 500 - 850 | 300 - 900 | 800 - 1,750 |
| Small Hydropower | 30 | 47 | 5 | 82 |
| Total | 733 - 856 | 1,022 - 1,713 | 769 - 1,369 | 2,524 - 3,938 |
Capacity does not include contracts that have been cancelled or expired.
Source: California Energy Commission, Database of IOU Contracts for Renewable Generation, October 3, 2006 update, www.energy.ca.gov/portfolio/IOU_CONTRACT_DATABASE.XLS (Microsoft Excel file)
Table 4 shows the percentage of retail sales served by RPS-eligible resources for each IOU for 2001, 2004, and 2005. Although the data is informative about the IOUsŐ progress towards meeting the RPS, actual compliance is determined by the CPUC and includes consideration of its rules for flexible compliance.
Table 4. California Investor-Owned Utilities Progress Toward 20 Percent Renewables by 2010
(Percent Renewables)
| IOU | 2001[1] | 2004[1] | 2005[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 8.9% | 11.7% | 11.9% |
| SCE | 14.8% | 18.2% | 17.2% |
| SDG&E | 1.0% | 4.3% | 5.2% |
| Total | 10.5% | 10.2% | 13.7% |
[1] Sources for 2001 and 2004 data: California Energy Commission, February 2006, Renewables Portfolio Standard Procurement Verification Report (Tables 9, 12, 15), CEC-300-2006-002-CMF, located at www.energy.ca.gov/2006publications/CEC-300-2006-002/CEC-300-2006-002-CMF.PDF (Acrobat PDF file) and California Electrical Energy Generation, 1983 to 2004, Total Production by Resource Type, located at www.energy.ca.gov/electricity/ELECTRICITY_GEN_1983-2004.XLS (Microsoft Excel file). Note: Small hydroelectric estimated to be 13% of total hydroelectric generation; percentages based on utilitiesŐ retail sales.
[2] Source for 2005 data: CPUC Docket for R.06-05-027, August 1, 2006, Renewables Portfolio Standard Compliance Filings of SCE, SDG&E and PG&E.
New Renewable Facilities Program under SB 90
Of the 68 active facilities shown in Table 6, 47 are on-line and producing electricity. Table 6 shows these 47 facilities by technology.
Table 6. Summary of On-Line Projects June 1999 to June 30, 2006
| Technology | Megawatts On-Line | Number of Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Biomass | 11.30 | 2 |
| Digester Gas | 2.05 | 1 |
| Geothermal | 59.00 | 2 |
| Landfill Gas | 36.37 | 14 |
| Small Hydro | 31.25 | 3 |
| Waste Tire | 0 | 0 |
| Wind | 348.12 | 25 |
| Total | 488.09 | 47[1] |
[1] The Wintec #2 wind project was split into two projects during fiscal year 2005-2006, but in order to maintain consistency with previous years, it will continue to be treated as one project for purposes of this section.