Download Texas’ renewable electricity PDF
Renewable Mandate Status: On Track
- 2009 Estimated Renewable Generation: 5.4%[i]
- 2009 Renewable Mandate: 2,392 MW (about 2.5%)
- 2015 Renewable Mandate: 5,880 MW (about 5%)
Eligible Resources: Solar Water Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal
Compliance Schedule:
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Renewable portfolio history: In 1999, Texas Public Utilities Commission adopted rules for a renewable electricity mandate. The 1999 standard called for 2,000 megawatts (MW) of new renewables to be installed in Texas by 2009, in addition to the 880 MW of existing renewables generation at the time.[iii] Wind accounts for nearly all of the current renewable-energy generation in Texas and 4.9% of total electricity generation. Accepts out of state supply (but limited) and engages in credit trading but does not accept existing capacity. In 2004, the Texas Renewable Portfolio Bill (SB No. 20) included a requirement that the state must meet 500 MW of the 2025 target with non-wind renewable generation. Texas law now mandates at least 500 MW from renewables other than wind[iv]
Credit Trading: Yes
Noncompliance penalty: An administrative penalty of $50 per MWh renewable generation shortfall.[v]
Electricity Price Ranking: 17th Highest[vi]
- 9.65 cents/KWh in Texas
- 7.67 cents/KWh in non-mandated states
[i] EIA, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B., Average Retail Price of Electricity, June 2010, Released Sept. 15, 2010, http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_b.html.
[ii] Texas Public Utility Commission, (January 10, 2000), §25.173(h)(1). http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.173/25.173.pdf.
[iii] Texas Utilities Code, (June 18, 1999), § 39.904, http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/UT/htm/UT.39.htm#39.904.
[iv] Texas state Legislature, (August 2005), SB No. 20a; http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/791/billtext/pdf/SB00020F.pdf.
[v] Public Utility Commission of Texas, Rules §25.173. Goal for Renewable Energy, http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.173/25.173.pdf.
[vi] EIA, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B., Average Retail Price of Electricity, June 2010, Released Sept. 15, 2010, http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_b.html.
