By: Watson S.B. No. 1539

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the goal of installing additional capacity for generating renewable energy.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 39.904(a) and (c), Utilities Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) It is the intent of the legislature that by January 1, 2015, an additional 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 5,880 megawatts by January 1, 2015, and the commission shall establish a goal [target] of 10,000 megawatts of installed renewable capacity by January 1, 2025. The cumulative installed renewable capacity in this state shall total [2,280 megawatts by January 1, 2007, 3,272 megawatts by January 1, 2009, 4,264 megawatts by January 1, 2011,] 5,256 megawatts by January 1, 2013, and 5,880 megawatts by January 1, 2015. Of the cumulative renewable energy technology generating capacity installed to meet the goal of this subsection after September 1, 2011 [2005], a total of [the commission shall establish a target of having] at least 500 megawatts of capacity from [a] renewable energy technologies [technology] other than [a source using] wind energy technologies shall be installed by January 1, 2017.

(c) The [Not later than January 1, 2000, the] commission shall adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this section. At a minimum, the rules shall:

(1) establish the minimum annual renewable energy requirement, including a minimum annual requirement for the installation of generating capacity from renewable energy technologies other than wind energy technologies, for each retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, and electric cooperative operating in this state in a manner reasonably calculated by the commission to produce, on a statewide basis, compliance with the requirement prescribed by Subsection (a); and

(2) specify reasonable performance standards that all renewable capacity additions must meet to count against the requirement prescribed by Subsection (a) and that:

(A) are designed and operated so as to maximize the energy output from the capacity additions in accordance with then-current industry standards; and

(B) encourage the development, construction, and operation of new renewable energy projects at those sites in this state that have the greatest economic potential for capture and development of this state's environmentally beneficial renewable resources.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.