The renewables standard portfolio standard is an initiative that requires state governments to plan to generate energy from renewable resources. There are four main areas of focus, which are Nevada, California, Connecticut, and New York. Each region has its own rules and regulations in renewable energy generation. Additionally to identifying renewable energy resources, states must also comply with the standards. Although nuclear energy is not typically considered a renewable resource, some states are considering incentives for nuclear power plants. Nuclear electricity is not generally considered to be a renewable resource, even though it is virtually carbon-free. These state policies, which are not part of the renewable portfolio standard, are generally called clean energy goals or emission-free power targets.
California
California Renewables Portfolio Standard is a program to promote clean, renewable energy. RPS is designed to increase renewable energy's share in the state's electricity supply. Investor-owner utilities, small utilities, multijurisdictional utilities must produce at least 33% of electricity from renewable resources by 2020. The goal is to achieve sixty percent by 2030. It reduces greenhouse gases emissions and lowers electricity costs. Additionally, it stabilizes rates and helps to ensure that the electric grid runs more reliably.
Nevada
In 1997, Nevada adopted its Renewables Portfolio Standard system (RPS). As technology improved, the standard was later revised to better meet current standards. It is intended to decrease dependence on fossil fuel-fired electricity plants and increase renewable energy in the electricity supply. The change in electricity supply can therefore be viewed as a positive for the environment, public health and energy costs. In Nevada, renewable energy represents a diverse portfolio of energy sources that utilities can use to meet demand.
Connecticut
The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a mandate for energy providers in Connecticut to obtain a specified percentage of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The RPS currently requires retailers to obtain 20% of their energy from renewable resources. The state targets 40% renewable energy by 2040. The RPS also requires a state-wide plan to encourage the development and deployment of renewable energy resources. In Connecticut, the goal of meeting the RPS is quite ambitious.
New York
The New York State Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) aims to increase the share of renewable energy in a utility's electricity portfolio. This goal is in line with the state's Energy Plan, which aims to generate 2,400 MW of offshore wind by 2030. New York utilities must produce 12.5% of their electricity using renewable resources by 2021, and 10% by 2018, according to the RPS. The RPS also requires that utilities create demonstration areas for renewable energy.
Puerto Rico
The state legislature of Puerto Rico has passed a bill requiring utilities to meet a renewables portfolio standard of at least fifty percent by 2050. The measure will join California, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. in pursuing a 100% renewable energy target by that date. It has suffered from high fossil fuel costs. The governor will sign the new law. The bill is designed to minimize the island’s environmental impact as well as lower the island’s electricity cost.
Maryland
Maryland's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), is a requirement that electricity suppliers meet a certain amount of renewable energy. This standard applies to both electric companies that offer Standard Offer Service, (SOS), and competitive suppliers. In order to prove that they meet the renewable requirement each year, electric suppliers submit a compliance reporting to the Commission. The report can help consumers make informed choices about their energy needs. Maryland should be concerned about this.