In order to help attain the California Renewable Portfolio Standard's (RPS) goal of 20% of retail electricity generated from renewables by 2010, the California Energy Commission has developed and currently administers several renewable energy programs. The goal of these programs is to establish a competitive, self-sustaining renewable energy supply for California while increasing the near-term quantity of renewable energy generated in-state. The Existing Renewable Facilities Program (ERFP) is one of several program elements within the Energy Commission's Renewable Energy Program.
The purpose of the Existing Renewable Facilities Program (ERFP) is to increase the competitiveness of existing (operational on or prior to September 26, 1996) in-state renewable generating facilities by allocating state funds. For the purpose of the ERFP, self-sustainability refers to the ability of these facilities to continue operation without public funding by no later than December 31, 2011. The ERFP aims also to secure the environmental, economic and reliability benefits these facilities provide.
From 1998 to 2006, the Energy Commission set target prices and production incentive caps based on the facility's technology. Pursuant to new legislation (SB 1250), the Energy Commission is now required to evaluate and consider each existing renewable facility on an individual case-by-case basis..
ERFP eligible technologies include:
- Solid-fuel biomass
- Solar thermal electric
- Wind power (due to the current market climate, these facilities do not require CEC funding at this time).
This program appropriates 20% of deposited funds into the Renewable Resource Trust Fund per SB 1036. It is estimated that approximately $75 million would be allocated to the ERFP for calendar years 2007 through 2011.
For more information regarding the Renewable Energy Program, please contact:
Renewable Energy Call Center
Toll Free - 800-555-7794
Outside Calif. - 916-654-4058
E-mail: renewable@energy.state.ca.us