81R4750 TJS-D
 
  By: Shapleigh S.B. No. 620
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the state's goal for non-wind renewable electric
  generating capacity.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Sections 39.904(a) and (o), Utilities Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  It is the intent of the legislature that by January 1,
  2015, an additional 6,000 [5,000] megawatts of generating capacity
  from renewable energy technologies will have been installed in this
  state.  The cumulative installed renewable capacity in this state
  shall total 6,880 [5,880] megawatts by January 1, 2015, and the
  commission shall establish a target of 11,000 [10,000] megawatts of
  installed renewable capacity by January 1, 2025.  The cumulative
  installed renewable capacity in this state shall total 5,264 [2,280
  megawatts by January 1, 2007, 3,272 megawatts by January 1, 2009,
  4,264] megawatts by January 1, 2011, 6,256 [5,256] megawatts by
  January 1, 2013, and 6,880 [5,880] megawatts by January 1, 2015. Of
  the renewable energy technology generating capacity installed to
  meet the goal of this subsection after September 1, 2005, the
  commission shall establish a target of having at least 1,500 [500]
  megawatts of capacity from a renewable energy technology other than
  a source using wind energy by January 1, 2015.
         (o)  The commission may establish an alternative compliance
  payment. An entity that has a renewable energy purchase
  requirement under this section may elect to pay the alternative
  compliance payment instead of applying renewable energy credits
  toward the satisfaction of the entity's obligation under this
  section. The commission may establish a separate alternative
  compliance payment for the goal of 1,500 [500] megawatts of
  capacity from renewable energy technologies other than wind energy.
  The alternative compliance payment for a renewable energy purchase
  requirement that could be satisfied with a renewable energy credit
  from wind energy may not be less than $2.50 per credit or greater
  than $20 per credit. Prior to September 1, 2009, an alternative
  compliance payment under this subsection may not be set above $5 per
  credit. In implementing this subsection, the commission shall
  consider:
               (1)  the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
  retail competition;
               (2)  the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
  electric rates;
               (3)  the effect of the alternative compliance payment
  level on the renewable energy credit market; and
               (4)  any other factors necessary to ensure the
  continued development of the renewable energy industry in this
  state while protecting ratepayers from unnecessary rate increases.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.