Title
Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) Requirements (B)
Staff will make a presentation on the requirements of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005), the schedule and public participation procedure for consideration and determination of Standards 11, 12, and 13. PURPA jurisdictional members have until August 8, 2008, to begin consideration of net metering, fuel diversity, and fossil fuel generation efficiency. Considerations and findings will be presented to support the recommended City Commission determination to implement net metering by October 1, 2008. Staff recommends the City Commission determine that GRU meets the intent of the standards for fuel diversity and fossil fuel generation efficiency.
Explanation
The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) was enacted as part of the National Energy Act by President Jimmy Carter. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) adds additional PURPA standards that state commissions and nonregulated utilities must consider. These include (1) net metering; (2) fuel diversity; and (3) fossil fuel generation efficiency. The City Commission took initial action to meet the PURPA requirements on July 31, 2006. PURPA jurisdictional members have until August 8, 2008, to begin consideration of net metering (Standard 11), fuel diversity (Standard 12), and fossil fuel generation efficiency (Standard 13).
Staff recommends the following timeline.
May 28, 2008 - GRU Staff recommendation, as well as all documentation in support thereof, shall be made available to the general public.
On, or before June 9, 2008 - members of the general public planning to participate in the hearing must file a Notice of Intent to Participate in Hearing by this date and must file written testimony and any other information in support of or in opposition to the adoption of Standards 11, 12, and 13 by this date.
June 9, 2008 - a public hearing shall be held at the City Commission meeting, after 6 pm.
June 11, 2008 - The General Manager shall issue a Recommended Decision for Gainesville City Commission consideration at the July 14, 2008, City Commission Meeting.
July 14, 2008 - The Gainesville City Commission shall issue their decision adopting, modifying or rejecting the Recommended Decision at the June 9, 2008, City Commission Meeting. The Gainesville City Commission shall issue their determination on the implementation of Standards 11, 12, and 13 at the July 14, 2008 meeting.
Recommendations
The City Commission a) receive a presentation on the requirements of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005); and, b) find that net metering for renewable energy is in the public's best interest and should be implemented by October 1, 2008; and, c) find that fuel diversity has been and shall be an important consideration in future energy supply planning in accordance with the intent of the PURPA standards; and, d) find that the efficiency with which electricity is generated from fossil and other fuels has been and shall be an important consideration for system operation and management in accordance with the intent of the PURPA standards.
Fiscal Note
The estimated cost for consideration and determination of PURPA requirements is included in the FY 2008-09 Budget.
Drafter
Prepared By: Ed Regan, P.E. AGM for Strategic Planning
Submitted By: Bob Hunzinger, General Manager