News from DSIRE: week of 3/1/13
CALIFORNIA – PV Rebates Entering Retirement
California launched the nation’s largest PV rebate program in 2007. The California Solar Initiative was designed with 10 incentive step-downs that are triggered as more systems were installed. PG&E and SDG&E have announced that they have reached their budget limits for residential PV rebates, but they will continue accepting applications and will grant new reservations if an approved application drops out. All other market segments for all three participating utilities are also nearing Step 10.
MICHIGAN – Utilities on Track to Meet RPS
An annual report issued by the Michigan Public Service Commission affirmed that utilities are on track to meet the state’s 10% by 2015 RPS, established in 2008. The report indicates that the state’s renewables level (under the RPS) reached 4.4% in 2011 and is expected to have reached 4.7% in 2012.
MINNESTOA – Xcel Renewables Grants Back in Action
After a lengthy sabbatical, Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund is once again offering grants. These grants will support three categories of projects: energy production, R&D, and research funding. The 2013 program has a budget of $30 million. The application deadline is April 1.
NEVADA – Wind Incentives Die Down
NV Energy opened the 2012-13 application period for its WindGenerations rebate program in mid-December. The program budget was designed to support a total of 1 MW of projects during the program year. After two months, the program reached its budget limit; it is now closed.
VIRGINIA – Performance Incentives Yanked from Renewables Goal
Virginia has enacted legislation (HB 2261) that scraps an increased rate of return for investor-owned utilities that attain renewables goals by using qualified facilities approved or filed for approval with the Virginia State Corporation Commission prior to January 1, 2013. As a result of the new law, such incentives are now available only for certain nuclear and wind facilities. Utilities will continue to receive double credit toward meeting the state’s renewables goal for electricity generated by solar, onshore wind or animal waste facilities, and triple credit for energy derived from offshore wind.
WISCONSIN – Renewables Grants on the Table
Focus on Energy is currently offering grants for biomass, biogas, geothermal, PV, solar thermal, and wind-energy systems. Incentive levels vary by technology. The application deadline is March 8.
