Renewable energy provisions for AK
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has secured some changes to a proposed federal renewable electricity standard, to enable Alaska to benefit from trading in renewable energy credits.
The standard, crafted by a majority in the Senate Energy and Natural resources Committee and requiring 15 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2021, does not apply to power utilities that sell less than 4 million megawatt hours annually, thus eliminating all Alaska utilities from the mandate and potentially preventing the utilities selling credits to Lower 48 utilities, credit sales that could help fund renewable energy projects.
The Murkowski-requested changes to the standard include credits for new Alaska hydroelectric power, including small power projects up to 50 megawatts. They also include double credits for renewable energy projects on tribal land and by Alaska Native corporations.
Under the renewable energy standard, homeowners and businesses that sell any excess renewable that they generate to utilities become eligible for triple credits.
“A one-size-fits-all national mandate is a poor fit in many states and that’s especially true of Alaska,” Murkowski said. “While Alaska utilities would not have to meet the 15 percent mandate, they would now be eligible for renewable energy credits.”
—Alan Bailey
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