Bill Text: IN HB1190 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Advanced renewable energy contracts.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-07 - First reading: referred to Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities [HB1190 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2010-HB1190-Introduced.html
Citations Affected: IC 8-1-2.5-9; IC 8-1-37.
Effective: Upon passage; July 1, 2010.
January 7, 2010, read first time and referred to Committee on Commerce, Energy,
Technology and Utilities.
Digest Continued
that qualifies for renewable energy rates, sets forth separate rates for:
(1) facility operators that receive one or more federal incentives; and
(2) facility operators that do not receive one or more federal incentives.
Beginning in 2012, requires the IURC to review renewable energy rates
every two years to determine if the rates reflect the price needed for the
profitable development of renewable energy facilities in Indiana.
Provides that if the IURC determines that the rates do not reflect the
price needed for the profitable development of renewable energy
facilities in Indiana, the IURC may, upon public notice and opportunity
for hearing, adjust the rates to reflect a level of profitability that: (1)
ensures the rapid deployment of renewable electricity generation; and
(2) does not result in excessive profits for facility operators or
unnecessary costs to ratepayers. Provides that any rate adjustments
made by the IURC apply only to contracts that are entered into after the
date of the IURC's order adjusting the rates. Beginning in 2011,
requires each energy utility that purchased electricity under contracts
with facility operators during the previous calendar year to annually
report the following information to the IURC: (1) The total amount of
electricity purchased under all of the utility's contracts with facility
operators. (2) The price paid for the electricity purchased under the
contracts. (3) The total amount of electricity supplied by the utility to
all its Indiana customers. Requires the IURC to compile the
information submitted by the energy utilities and determine: (1) a
statewide ratio of the total amount of electricity purchased under all
renewables contracts by all energy utilities to the total amount of
electricity supplied to Indiana customers by the purchasing energy
utilities; and (2) for each purchasing energy utility, an individual ratio
of the energy utility's total purchases under all the utility's renewables
contracts to the total amount of electricity supplied by the energy utility
to all its Indiana customers. Provides that if an energy utility's
individual ratio is less than the statewide ratio, the energy utility must
pay to the IURC an equalization charge that reflects the difference
between the statewide ratio and the energy utility's ratio. Provides that
if an energy utility's individual ratio is greater than the statewide ratio,
the IURC must remit to the energy utility an equalization payment that
reflects the difference between the energy utility's ratio and the
statewide ratio. Establishes the renewable energy equalization fund to
be administered by the IURC to receive equalization charges and
disburse equalization payments. Requires the IURC to establish a
statewide registry of all renewable energy facilities that enter into
contracts with energy utilities after June 30, 2010. Requires the IURC
to record in the registry certain information with respect to each
facility. Requires the IURC to include certain information concerning
renewable energy resources in its annual report to the regulatory
flexibility committee. Makes an appropriation.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
utilities.
(b) The commission shall before August 15 of each year prepare for presentation to the regulatory flexibility committee an analysis of the effects of competition or changes in the energy utility industry on service and on the pricing of all energy utility services under the jurisdiction of the commission. Beginning in 2011, the commission shall include in its report under this subsection objective data concerning advanced renewable energy contracts under IC 8-1-37, based on:
(1) information contained in the registry established and maintained by the commission under IC 8-1-37-25; or
(2) any information otherwise obtained by the commission from a particular energy utility or facility operator (as defined in IC 8-1-37-4).
(c) In addition to reviewing the commission report prepared under subsection (b), the regulatory flexibility committee shall also issue a report and recommendations to the legislative council before November 1 of each year that are based on a review of the following issues:
(1) The effects of competition or changes in the energy utility industry and the impact of the competition or changes on the residential rates.
(2) The status of modernization of the energy utility facilities in Indiana and the incentives required to further enhance this infrastructure.
(3) The effects on economic development of this modernization.
(4) The traditional method of regulating energy utilities and the method's effectiveness.
(5) The economic and social effectiveness of traditional energy utility service pricing.
(6) The effects of legislation enacted by the United States Congress.
(7) All other energy utility issues the committee considers appropriate; however, it is not the intent of this section to provide for the review of the statutes cited in section 11 of this chapter.
The report and recommendations issued under this subsection to the legislative council must be in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.
(d) This section:
(1) does not give a party to a collective bargaining agreement any greater rights under the agreement than the party had before January 1, 1995;
(2) does not give the committee the authority to order a party to a collective bargaining agreement to cancel, terminate, amend, or otherwise modify the collective bargaining agreement; and
(3) may not be implemented by the committee in a way that would give a party to a collective bargaining agreement any greater rights under the agreement than the party had before January 1, 1995.
(e) The regulatory flexibility committee shall meet on the call of the co-chairs to study energy utility issues described in subsection (c). The committee shall, with the approval of the commission, retain independent consultants the committee considers appropriate to assist the committee in the review and study. The expenses for the
consultants shall be paid with funds from the public utility fees
assessed under IC 8-1-6.
(f) The legislative services agency shall provide staff support to the
committee.
(g) Each member of the committee is entitled to receive the same
per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to individuals who serve
as legislative members of interim study committees established by the
legislative council.
Chapter 37. Advanced Renewable Energy Contracts
Sec. 1. (a) The general assembly makes the following findings:
(1) The development of a robust and diverse portfolio of electric generating capacity, including the use of renewable energy resources, is necessary if Indiana is to continue to be successful in attracting new businesses and jobs.
(2) The payment of minimum renewable energy rates for electricity generated from renewable energy resources:
(A) ensures a sound long term investment for industries, companies, and individuals investing in renewable energy technologies; and
(B) creates strong economic incentives for those industries, companies, and individuals to make the necessary capital and job creating investments in renewable energy technologies in those jurisdictions that provide such incentives.
(3) Indiana has considerable renewable energy resources that could support the development of new electricity generation.
(4) It is in the public interest for the state to encourage the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources for the generation of electricity in Indiana.
(5) The rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources for the generation of electricity will benefit the health, safety, and welfare of Indiana and its citizens by doing the following:
(A) Stimulating the development of new technologies and industries in Indiana and creating new jobs to serve those emerging industries.
(B) Placing Indiana at the forefront of the nation's renewable energy revolution.
(C) Creating an Indiana marketplace for the development
of and investments in renewable energy resources and
technologies.
(D) Opening renewable electricity generation, and the
economic opportunities that accompany such generation,
to all Indiana citizens.
(E) Providing equitable opportunities for all Indiana
citizens to help grow Indiana's renewable energy industry.
(F) Reducing the price volatility and long term costs of
electricity.
(G) Reducing air and water pollution and related health
problems and health care expenditures.
(H) Protecting Indiana's natural resources.
(I) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the
atmosphere.
(b) The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1) strengthen Indiana's economy by attracting new
businesses and jobs in the growing renewable energy
industry; and
(2) enable the rapid and sustainable development of
renewable energy resources for the generation of electricity
in Indiana by:
(A) providing for priority interconnections of renewable
energy facilities to electric grids, including the necessary
grid upgrades to allow those interconnections;
(B) providing for priority purchases by energy utilities of
electricity generated by renewable energy facilities;
(C) establishing minimum renewable energy rates for
purchases described in clause (B) to ensure that the prices
paid for the electricity are adequate to ensure the
profitable development of renewable energy facilities; and
(D) establishing a statewide equalization system for
distributing the costs of the purchases described in clause
(B).
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "capacity", with respect to a
renewable energy facility, means the maximum output of
electricity, expressed in kilowatts or megawatts, that the renewable
energy facility can supply to an electric system's load, adjusted for
ambient conditions.
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "energy utility" means a public
utility or a municipally owned utility within the meaning of
IC 8-1-2-1, or a local district corporation or a general district
corporation within the meaning of IC 8-1-13-23, engaged in the
production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of electricity.
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "facility operator" means a
person that owns, operates, manages, or controls a renewable
energy facility.
Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "federal incentive" means any
federal tax credit or deduction, or any other federal incentive or
subsidy (other than any accelerated depreciation available for tax
purposes), that is available in connection with the generation of
electricity from a renewable energy resource.
Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "grid" means interconnected
facilities used for the transmission and distribution of electricity
for general supply.
Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "grid operator" means:
(1) an energy utility; or
(2) another person;
that owns or operates any part of a grid.
Sec. 8. As used in this chapter, "grid upgrade" means any
additions or modifications to a grid that are made:
(1) at or beyond the point at which a renewable energy facility
interconnects to the grid; and
(2) to accommodate electricity generated by the renewable
energy facility and delivered to the grid.
Sec. 9. (a) As used in this chapter, "renewable energy facility"
means a facility that:
(1) is located in Indiana;
(2) generates electricity solely from a renewable energy
resource; and
(3) is capable of providing electricity directly to a grid.
(b) The term includes the following:
(1) An alternate energy production facility (as defined in
IC 8-1-2.4-2(b)), to the extent that it generates electricity from
a renewable energy resource set forth in section 11 of this
chapter.
(2) A small hydro facility (as defined in IC 8-1-2.4-2(e)) at an
existing dam.
(c) The term does not include a cogeneration facility (as defined
in IC 8-1-2.4-2(c)).
Sec. 10. As used in this chapter, "renewable energy rate" means
a rate that:
(1) an energy utility pays for electricity under a contract
entered into under section 13 of this chapter with a facility
operator; and
(2) at the time the contract is entered into, applies to the particular renewable energy resource used to generate the electricity sold to the energy utility under the contract, as determined under sections 14 through 19 of this chapter and as most recently adjusted under section 21 of this chapter.
Sec. 11. As used in this chapter, "renewable energy resource" means any of the following sources for the generation of electricity:
(1) Wind energy.
(2) Solar energy.
(3) Hydropower from existing dams.
(4) Geothermal energy.
(5) Energy from organic waste biogas, including any of the following:
(A) Methane produced by the biodigestion of farm or animal wastes.
(B) Landfill gas.
(C) Sewage treatment gas.
The term does not include coal bed methane.
Sec. 12. (a) After June 30, 2010, a grid operator shall:
(1) provide priority interconnections between renewable energy facilities and the grid operator's grid; and
(2) transmit on a priority basis electricity generated by any renewable energy facilities that are connected to its grid.
(b) A grid operator has the duty to interconnect a particular renewable energy facility under this section if:
(1) the grid operator provides transmission or distribution service in a retail electric service area that includes the renewable energy facility;
(2) the grid operator controls or operates grid facilities technically suitable to receive electricity from the renewable energy facility; and
(3) there is no other grid with a technically and economically more suitable connection point.
(c) For purposes of subsection (b), a grid is considered technically suitable to receive electricity from a renewable energy facility even if feeding in the electricity produced by the renewable energy facility requires the grid operator to perform grid upgrades. If a grid operated or controlled by a grid operator requires grid upgrades to enable a renewable energy facility to feed in electricity to the grid, the grid operator shall perform the required grid upgrades without undue delay, upon the request of the facility operator seeking to connect a renewable energy facility
to the grid operator's grid. Except as provided in subsection (d),
the obligation to upgrade a grid under this subsection includes the
obligation to upgrade:
(1) all technical facilities that are:
(A) required for operating the grid; and
(B) needed for the interconnection; and
(2) all connecting installations that are needed for the
interconnection;
that are owned or passed into ownership of the grid operator.
(d) A grid operator's obligation to provide priority
interconnection to a renewable energy facility under this section
applies even if the capacity of the grid operator's grid is entirely
taken up by interconnections with other renewable energy
facilities, unless the grid operator does not have a technical facility
for reducing feed-in to the grid in the event of a system overload.
(e) The costs associated with:
(1) connecting a renewable energy facility to the technically
and economically most suitable connection point on a grid;
and
(2) installing the necessary measuring devices for recording
the quantity of electricity transmitted and received by the
renewable energy facility;
shall be borne by the facility operator. For purposes of this
subsection, if one (1) or more renewable energy facilities with a
total capacity not exceeding thirty (30) kilowatts is located on a
plot of land that already has a connection to the grid operator's
grid, that connection is considered the most suitable connection
point. If the grid operator establishes a new connection point for
the renewable energy facilities, the grid operator shall bear the
resulting incremental cost.
(f) The costs associated with any grid upgrades required under
subsection (c) shall be borne by the grid operator making the
upgrades. The grid operator may take into account the costs of any
upgrades made when determining any charges for the use of the
grid by the renewable energy facility for which the upgrades are
made.
(g) Whenever a renewable energy facility is connected to a grid
under this section, the connection and any other installations
required for the safe operation of the grid must meet the renewable
energy facility's technical requirements. A facility operator may
have:
(1) the connection; and
(2) the installation of any measuring devices for recording the quantity of electricity transmitted and received by the renewable energy facility;
performed by the grid operator or a third party.
Sec. 13. (a) Except as provided in subsection (e), after June 30, 2010, an energy utility shall, upon the request of a facility operator, enter into a contract for the purchase of electricity generated by the facility operator's renewable energy facility. A contract under this section must:
(1) be for a term of at least:
(A) forty (40) years, in the case of electricity generated from a renewable energy facility that uses hydropower to generate electricity; or
(B) twenty (20) years, in the case of electricity generated from a renewable energy facility not described in clause (A); and
(2) require the energy utility to purchase electricity from the renewable energy facility:
(A) on a priority basis; and
(B) subject to subsection (d) and section 22 of this chapter, at a rate that is not less than the applicable renewable energy rate that:
(i) applies with respect to the particular renewable resource used by the renewable energy facility; and
(ii) is in effect under sections 14 through 19 of this chapter, as most recently adjusted under section 21 of this chapter, at the time the contract is entered into;
throughout the term of the contract.
(b) An energy utility shall offer a standard contract, on a form prescribed by the commission under subsection (c), to a facility operator that seeks to enter into a contract with the energy utility under this section. A standard contract offered under this subsection must set forth:
(1) the rate to be paid for each kilowatt hour of electricity purchased under the contract;
(2) the adjustments to be made to the rate to account for inflation, as prescribed by subsection (d);
(3) the duration of the contract; and
(4) any information concerning the renewable energy facility required by the commission for the statewide registry established under section 25 of this chapter.
Each party to the contract shall sign the contract and retain a
signed duplicate original of the contract. The energy utility shall
submit a copy of the signed contract to the commission not later
than seven (7) business days after the contract is signed by both
parties.
(c) Not later than June 15, 2010, the commission shall develop
and make available a standard contract form for use by energy
utilities in entering into contracts with facility operators under this
section. The form prescribed by the commission must require the
parties to set forth the information described in subsection (b)(1)
through (b)(4).
(d) Beginning on the date that is one (1) year after the date on
which a contract entered into under this section is signed by the
parties, each year during the term of the contract the rate set forth
in the contract under subsection (a)(2)(b) increases by a percentage
that is not less than the product of:
(1) the percent increase in the United States Department of
Labor Consumer Price Index during the previous calendar
year; multiplied by
(2) six-tenths (0.6).
(e) An energy utility's obligation to enter into a contract with a
facility operator under this section does not apply if:
(1) the capacity of the grid in the electric service area that:
(A) includes the facility operator's renewable energy
facility; and
(B) is served by the energy utility;
is entirely taken up by electricity generated by other
renewable energy facilities that were connected to the grid
before the connection or proposed connection of the facility
operator's renewable energy facility; and
(2) the energy utility has no ability to transmit any electricity
generated by the facility operator's renewable energy facility
to:
(A) an energy utility; or
(B) a grid operator;
in an adjacent electric service area.
(f) Subsection (a)(2)(B) does not preclude an energy utility and
a facility operator from entering into a contract under this section
in which the rate for the electricity purchased under the contract
is greater than the applicable renewable energy rate set forth in
sections 14 through 19 of this chapter, as most recently adjusted
under section 21 of this chapter.
(g) An energy utility's obligation to enter into a contract with a
facility operator under this section ends after June 30, 2030.
However, an energy utility may enter into a contract to purchase
electricity from a renewable energy facility under:
(1) the terms set forth in this section; or
(2) any other terms;
at any time.
Sec. 14. The renewable energy rate for electricity generated
from a renewable energy facility that uses hydropower to generate
electricity:
(1) must be based on the price needed for development plus a
reasonable profit, as determined by the size of the facility; and
(2) subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, may not be
less than the following:
(A) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of less than ten (10) megawatts:
(i) twelve and one-half cents ($0.125) per kilowatt hour;
or
(ii) eight and eight-tenths cents ($0.088) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity.
(B) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of at least ten (10) megawatts but
less than fifty (50) megawatts:
(i) eleven and one-half cents ($0.115) per kilowatt hour;
or
(ii) eight cents ($0.08) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
Sec. 15. The renewable energy rate for electricity generated
from a renewable energy facility that uses biogas, other than
landfill gas or sewage treatment gas, to generate electricity:
(1) must be based on the price needed for development plus a
reasonable profit, as determined by the size and location of
the facility; and
(2) subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, may not be
less than the following:
(A) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility that is located on a farm or an agricultural
operation (as defined in IC 32-30-6-1) and has a capacity
of less than one hundred (100) kilowatts:
(i) eighteen and one-half cents ($0.185) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) thirteen cents ($0.13) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(B) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is located on a farm or an agricultural operation (as defined in IC 32-30-6-1) and has a capacity of at least one hundred (100) kilowatts but less than two hundred fifty (250) kilowatts:
(i) seventeen and one-half cents ($0.175) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) twelve and three-tenths cents ($0.123) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(C) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is not located on a farm or an agricultural operation (as defined in IC 32-30-6-1) and has a capacity of less than five hundred (500) kilowatts:
(i) fifteen cents ($0.15) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) ten and one-half cents ($0.105) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(D) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is not located on a farm or an agricultural operation (as defined in IC 32-30-6-1) and has a capacity of at least five hundred (500) kilowatts but less than ten (10) megawatts:
(i) fourteen cents ($0.14) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) nine and eight-tenths cents ($0.098) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(E) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is not located on a farm or an agricultural operation (as defined in IC 32-30-6-1) and has a capacity of at least ten (10) megawatts:
(i) ten cents ($0.10) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) seven cents ($0.07) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
Sec. 16. The renewable energy rate for electricity generated
from a renewable energy facility that uses landfill gas or sewage
treatment gas to generate electricity:
(1) must be based on the price needed for development plus a
reasonable profit, as determined by the size of the facility; and
(2) subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, may not be
less than the following:
(A) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of less than ten (10) megawatts:
(i) ten and one-half cents ($0.105) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) seven and three-tenths cents ($0.073) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity.
(B) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of at least ten (10) megawatts:
(i) nine and one-half cents ($0.095) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) six and seven-tenths cents ($0.067) per kilowatt hour,
if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal
incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection
with the generation of electricity.
Sec. 17. The renewable energy rate for electricity generated
from a renewable energy facility that uses geothermal energy to
generate electricity:
(1) must be based on the price needed for development plus a
reasonable profit, as determined by the size of the facility; and
(2) subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, may not be
less than the following:
(A) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of less than five (5) megawatts:
(i) nineteen cents ($0.19) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) thirteen cents ($0.13) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
(B) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of at least five (5) megawatts but
less than ten (10) megawatts:
(i) eighteen cents ($0.18) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) twelve cents ($0.12) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
(C) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of at least ten (10) megawatts but
less than twenty (20) megawatts:
(i) eleven and one-half cents ($0.115) per kilowatt hour;
or
(ii) eight cents ($0.08) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
(D) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy
facility with a capacity of at least twenty (20) megawatts:
(i) nine cents ($0.09) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) six cents ($0.06) per kilowatt hour, if the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for
the renewable energy facility in connection with the
generation of electricity.
Sec. 18. (a) The renewable energy rate for electricity generated
from a renewable energy facility that uses wind energy to generate
electricity must be based on the price needed for development plus
a reasonable profit and, subject to sections 21 and 22 of this
chapter, may not be less than the following:
(1) If the electricity is generated by an offshore renewable
energy facility:
(A) eighteen cents ($0.18) per kilowatt hour; or
(B) twelve and sixth-tenths cents ($0.126) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity.
(2) If the electricity is generated by an onshore renewable
energy facility that has a rotor swept area that is less than
fifty (50) square meters:
(A) thirty-five cents ($0.35) per kilowatt hour; or
(B) twenty-four and one-half cents ($0.245) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity.
(3) If the electricity is generated by an onshore renewable
energy facility that has a rotor swept area that is at least fifty
(50) square meters but less than five hundred (500) square
meters:
(A) twenty-five cents ($0.25) per kilowatt hour; or
(B) seventeen and one-half cents ($0.175) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity.
(4) If the electricity is generated by an onshore renewable
energy facility that has a rotor swept area that is at least five
hundred (500) square meters:
(A) during years one (1) through (5) of a contract entered
into under section 13 of this chapter:
(i) fourteen cents ($0.14) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) nine and eight-tenths cents ($0.098) per kilowatt
hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more
federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in
connection with the generation of electricity; and
(B) for each year beginning with the sixth year of a
contract entered into under section 13 of this chapter, a
rate that:
(i) is based on the renewable energy facility's average
specific yield in kilowatt hours per square meter per
year (kwh/m2/year) of rotor swept area as determined
under subsection (b); and
(ii) is not less than the applicable amount specified in
subsection (c).
(b) The average specific yield for a renewable energy facility
described in subsection (a)(4) equals the amount determined under
STEP FOUR of the following formula:
STEP ONE: Determine the total amount of all electricity
generated by the renewable energy facility (including
electricity that was generated and not purchased under the
contract entered into under section 13 of this chapter),
expressed in kilowatt hours, during each of the first five (5)
years of the contract entered into under section 13 of this
chapter.
STEP TWO: Determine the sum of the amounts determined
under STEP ONE, excluding the amounts for:
(A) the year in which the renewable energy facility
generated the greatest amount of electricity; and
(B) the year in which the renewable energy facility
generated the least amount of electricity.
STEP THREE: Determine the quotient of:
(A) the STEP TWO amount; divided by
(B) three (3).
STEP FOUR: Determine the quotient of:
(A) the STEP THREE amount; divided by
(B) the renewable energy facility's rotor swept area.
(c) Subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, in each year beginning with the sixth year of a contract entered into under section 13 of this chapter, the renewable energy rate for electricity generated from a renewable energy facility described in subsection (a)(4) may not be less than the following:
(1) For a renewable energy facility with an average specific yield that is less than six hundred fifty kilowatt hours per square meter per year (650 kwh/m2/year):
(A) fourteen cents ($0.14) per kilowatt hour; or
(B) nine and eight-tenths cents ($0.098) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(2) For a renewable energy facility with an average specific yield that is at least one thousand two hundred kilowatt hours per square meter per year (1,200 kwh/m2/year):
(A) eight and four-tenths cents ($0.084) per kilowatt hour; or
(B) five and nine-tenths cents ($0.059) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(3) For a renewable energy facility with an average specific yield that is:
(A) at least six hundred fifty kilowatt hours per square meter per year (650 kwh/m2/year); and
(B) less than one thousand two hundred kilowatt hours per square meter per year (1,200 kwh/m2/year);
a rate that is a linear interpolation between the minimum rates set forth in subdivisions (1) and (2).
Sec. 19. The renewable energy rate for electricity generated from a renewable energy facility that uses solar energy to generate electricity:
(1) must be based on the price needed for development plus a reasonable profit, as determined by the size and location of the facility; and
(2) subject to sections 21 and 22 of this chapter, may not be less than the following:
(A) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility with a capacity of less than ten (10) kilowatts, regardless of whether the renewable energy facility is ground-mounted or is located on a rooftop:
(i) sixty-five cents ($0.65) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) forty-five and one-half cents ($0.455) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(B) If the electricity is generated by a ground-mounted renewable energy facility with a capacity of at least ten (10) kilowatts but less than ten (10) megawatts:
(i) forty cents ($0.40) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) twenty-eight cents ($0.28) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(C) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is located on a rooftop and has a capacity of at least ten (10) kilowatts but less than two hundred fifty (250) kilowatts:
(i) sixty cents ($0.60) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) forty-two cents ($0.42) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(D) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is located on a rooftop and has a capacity of at least two hundred fifty (250) kilowatts but less than five hundred (500) kilowatts:
(i) fifty-five cents ($0.55) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) thirty-eight and one-half cents ($0.385) per kilowatt hour, if the facility operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection with the generation of electricity.
(E) If the electricity is generated by a renewable energy facility that is located on a rooftop and has a capacity of at least five hundred (500) kilowatts:
(i) fifty cents ($0.50) per kilowatt hour; or
(ii) thirty-five cents ($0.35) per kilowatt hour, if the
facility operator receives one (1) or more federal
incentives for the renewable energy facility in connection
with the generation of electricity.
Sec. 20. (a) Electricity that is fed into an energy utility's
distribution system from more than one (1) renewable energy
facility may be measured and billed through a shared metering
device. Except as provided in subsection (b), if electricity fed into
an energy utility's distribution system from more than one (1)
renewable energy facility is measured and billed through a shared
metering device, the capacity of each renewable energy facility
shall be used in determining the amount of electricity to be
apportioned to each renewable energy facility.
(b) If:
(1) electricity is fed into an energy utility's distribution system
from more than one (1) renewable energy facility that uses
wind energy to generate electricity;
(2) the electricity fed in from the renewable energy facilities
described in subdivision (1) is measured and billed through a
shared metering device; and
(3) at least two (2) of the renewable energy facilities described
in subdivision (1) are subject to different renewable energy
rates under section 18 of this chapter;
the total amount of electricity measured shall be allocated
proportionally among the renewable energy facilities described in
subdivision (1) according to their average specific yields.
Sec. 21. (a) Every two (2) years, beginning in 2012, the
commission shall review the rates set forth in sections 14 through
19 of this chapter, as most recently adjusted under this section, to
determine if the then current rates reflect the price needed for the
profitable development of renewable energy facilities in Indiana.
In making the determination required under this section, the
commission shall consider whether the rates reflect a level of
profitability that:
(1) ensures the rapid deployment of renewable sources of
electricity generation; and
(2) does not result in:
(A) excessive profits for facility operators; or
(B) unnecessary costs to ratepayers.
(b) If, in conducting the review required under subsection (a),
the commission determines that the rates set forth in sections 14
through 19 of this chapter, as most recently adjusted under this
section, do not reflect the price needed for the profitable
development of renewable energy facilities in Indiana, the
commission may, upon public notice and opportunity for hearing
by interested parties, adjust the then current rates to reflect a level
of profitability that:
(1) ensures the rapid deployment of renewable sources of
electricity generation; and
(2) does not result in:
(A) excessive profits for facility operators; or
(B) unnecessary costs to ratepayers.
(c) Any rate adjustments made by the commission under
subsection (b) apply only to contracts under section 13 of this
chapter that are entered into after the date of the commission's
order adjusting the rates.
Sec. 22. (a) If:
(1) at the time a facility operator enters into a contract with
an energy utility under section 13 of this chapter, the facility
operator does not receive any federal incentives for the
generation of electricity by the facility operator's renewable
energy facility; and
(2) at any time during the term of the contract, the facility
operator begins receiving one (1) or more federal incentives
for the generation of electricity by the facility operator's
renewable energy facility;
the facility operator shall provide to the commission and to the
electric utility written notice, on a form prescribed by the
commission, of the federal incentives received. The facility
operator shall provide the notice required by this subsection not
later than seven (7) business days after the effective date of the
federal incentives received. The renewable energy rates set forth
in the contract entered into by the facility operator and the energy
utility shall be adjusted to reflect the rates that apply to a facility
operator that receives federal incentives, as set forth in sections 14
through 19 of this chapter, and as most recently adjusted under
section 21 of this chapter, effective as of the effective date of the
federal incentives received.
(b) If:
(1) at the time a facility operator enters into a contract with
an energy utility under section 13 of this chapter, the facility
operator receives one (1) or more federal incentives for the
generation of electricity by the facility operator's renewable
energy facility; and
(2) at any time during the term of the contract, the facility
operator no longer receives any federal incentives for the
generation of electricity by the facility operator's renewable
energy facility;
the facility operator may provide to the commission and to the
electric utility written notice, on a form prescribed by the
commission, that the facility operator no longer receives any
federal incentives for the generation of electricity by the facility
operator's renewable energy facility. If the facility operator
provides the notice described in this subsection, the renewable
energy rates set forth in the contract entered into by the facility
operator and the energy utility shall be adjusted to reflect the rates
that apply to a facility operator that does not receive federal
incentives, as set forth in sections 14 through 19 of this chapter,
and as most recently adjusted under section 21 of this chapter,
effective as of the termination date of the last federal incentive
received by the operator for the generation of electricity by the
facility operator's renewable energy facility.
(c) A facility operator that enters or seeks to enter into a
contract with an energy utility under section 13 of this chapter
may, at the time of entering into the contract or at any time during
the term of the contract, claim and receive, or cease to claim and
receive, either of the following without an adjustment in the
applicable renewable energy rate under sections 14 through 19 of
this chapter, as most recently adjusted under section 21 of this
chapter, or under the terms of the contract with the energy utility,
whichever applies:
(1) State tax credits, state tax deductions, or other state
incentives or subsidies that are available in connection with
the generation of electricity from renewable energy resources,
if not otherwise prohibited by the state law, rule, or program
establishing the incentives.
(2) Incentives offered by an energy utility in connection with
the generation of electricity from renewable energy resources,
if not otherwise prohibited by the energy utility's program
establishing the incentives.
(d) An energy utility that enters into a contract with a facility
operator under section 13 of this chapter is not exempt from any
binding federal or state renewable energy portfolio standard that
applies or may come into effect during the term of the contract.
However, any credit or allowance for renewable electricity
generation needed to comply with any federal or state renewable
energy portfolio standard belongs to the energy utility that
purchases electricity under the contract and may not be claimed by
the facility operator supplying the electricity under the contract,
unless otherwise specified by federal or state law.
Sec. 23. (a) Beginning in 2011, not later than March 1 of each
year, an energy utility that purchased electricity during the
immediately preceding calendar year from a facility operator
under a contract entered into under section 13 of this chapter shall
report to the commission, on a form prescribed the commission,
the following information for all the energy utility's contracts
under section 13 of this chapter that were in effect during the
immediately preceding calendar year:
(1) The total amount of electricity, expressed in kilowatt
hours, purchased under all the energy utility's contracts
entered into under section 13 of this chapter during the
immediately preceding calendar year.
(2) The total amount paid by the energy utility for the
electricity described in subdivision (1).
(3) The total amount of electricity, expressed in kilowatt
hours, supplied by the energy utility to all its Indiana
customers during the immediately preceding calendar year.
(b) Beginning in 2011, not later than July 1 of each year, the
commission shall compile the information submitted by all energy
utilities under subsection (a) and shall determine the following:
(1) The statewide ratio of the total electricity purchased from
renewable energy facilities by energy utilities to the total
electricity supplied to all Indiana customers by those energy
utilities, with respect to the immediately preceding calendar
year, determined as follows:
STEP ONE: Determine the sum of all amounts reported by
all energy utilities under subsection (a)(1) with respect to
the immediately preceding calendar year.
STEP TWO: Determine the sum of all amounts reported
by all energy utilities under subsection (a)(3) with respect
to the immediately preceding calendar year.
STEP THREE: Determine the quotient of:
(A) the STEP ONE amount; divided by
(B) the STEP TWO amount.
(2) For each energy utility that submitted a report under
subsection (a), the ratio of the total electricity purchased from
renewable energy facilities by the energy utility to the total
electricity supplied to all Indiana customers by the energy
utility, with respect to the immediately preceding calendar
year, determined by calculating the quotient of:
(A) the amount reported by the energy utility under
subsection (a)(1); divided by
(B) the amount reported by the energy utility under
subsection (a)(3).
(3) The sum of the amounts reported by all energy utilities
under subsection (a)(2).
(c) For each energy utility that submitted a report under
subsection (a), the commission shall compare the ratio calculated
for the energy utility under subsection (b)(2) to the statewide ratio
calculated under subsection (b)(1). If an energy utility's ratio
calculated under subsection (b)(2) is less than the statewide ratio
calculated under subsection (b)(1), the commission shall assess the
energy utility an equalization charge in an amount equal to the
difference between:
(1) the product of:
(A) the amount determined by the commission under
subsection (b)(3); multiplied by
(B) the statewide ratio calculated by the commission under
subsection (b)(1); minus
(2) the product of:
(A) the amount determined by the commission under
subsection (b)(3); multiplied by
(B) the energy utility's ratio calculated by the commission
under subsection (b)(2).
Not later than August 1 of the same year in which the commission
makes the calculations described in subsection (b), the commission
shall send an energy utility whose ratio calculated under subsection
(b)(2) is less than the statewide ratio calculated under subsection
(b)(1) a notice of the equalization charge due, as calculated under
this subsection. The notice must specify that the equalization
charge must be paid to the commission not later than thirty (30)
days after the date of the commission's notice, for deposit by the
commission in the renewable energy equalization fund established
by section 24 of this chapter.
(d) The commission shall immediately deposit all equalization
charges received under subsection (c) into the renewable energy
equalization fund established by section 24 of this chapter.
(e) If, in comparing the ratio calculated for an energy utility
under subsection (b)(2) to the statewide ratio calculated under
subsection (b)(1), as required by subsection (c), the commission
determines that the energy utility's ratio calculated under
subsection (b)(2) is greater than the statewide ratio calculated
under subsection (b)(1), the commission shall make an equalization
payment to the energy utility in an amount equal to the difference
between:
(1) the product of:
(A) the amount determined by the commission under
subsection (b)(3); multiplied by
(B) the energy utility's ratio calculated by the commission
under subsection (b)(2); minus
(2) the product of:
(A) the amount determined by the commission under
subsection (b)(3); multiplied by
(B) the statewide ratio calculated by the commission under
subsection (b)(1).
The commission shall remit the equalization payment determined
under this subsection to the energy utility not later than November
1 of the same year in which the commission makes the calculations
described in subsection (b). An equalization payment remitted to
an energy utility under this subsection shall be paid from the
renewable energy equalization fund established by section 24 of
this chapter.
(f) The commission may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
implement this section.
Sec. 24. (a) The renewable energy equalization fund is
established to receive equalization charges and disburse
equalization payments under this chapter. The fund shall be
administered by the commission.
(b) The fund consists of money deposited in the fund by the
commission under section 23(d) of this chapter.
(c) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not
currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same
manner as other public funds may be invested.
(d) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not
revert to the state general fund but remains in the fund to be used
exclusively for purposes of this chapter.
(e) Money in the fund is continuously appropriated for the
purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 25. (a) Not later than June 1, 2011, the commission shall
establish a statewide registry of all renewable energy facilities that
enter into contracts with energy utilities under section 13 of this
chapter after June 30, 2010. Based on the information contained in
the standard contracts submitted to the commission under section
13(b) of this chapter, and on any information obtained
independently by the commission from a particular facility
operator, the commission shall record in the registry the following
information for each renewable energy facility:
(1) The facility operator for the renewable energy facility.
(2) The type of renewable energy resource used by the
renewable energy facility to generate electricity.
(3) The capacity of the renewable energy facility.
(4) The location of the renewable energy facility.
(5) The number of contracts entered into under section 13 of
this chapter under which the renewable energy facility
supplies electricity.
(6) Any technical specifications concerning the renewable
energy facility that the commission may require.
(b) The commission shall require a facility operator, or the
facility operator's successor in interest, to notify the commission in
a timely manner if any of the information described in subsection
(a) with respect to the facility operator's renewable energy facility
changes. The commission shall require a facility operator that has
one (1) or more renewable energy facilities included in the registry
established under subsection (a) to provide an annual report, on a
form prescribed by the commission, providing updated
information on each of the facility operator's renewable energy
facilities that is included in the registry.
(c) The commission shall update the registry on a timely basis
upon receiving:
(1) a standard contract entered into under section 13(b) of this
chapter; or
(2) an annual report or a notice of change in information from
a facility operator under subsection (b).
(d) The commission shall make the registry established under
subsection (a) available:
(1) for public inspection and copying at the offices of the
commission under IC 5-14-3; and
(2) on the commission's web site.
(b) Notwithstanding IC 8-1-37-23(f), as added by this act, the commission may adopt any rules to implement IC 8-1-37-23, as added by this act, in the same manner as emergency rules are adopted under IC 4-22-2-37.1. Any rules adopted under this
SECTION must be adopted not later than January 1, 2011. A rule
adopted under this SECTION expires on the earlier of:
(1) the date the rule is adopted by the commission under
IC 4-22-2-24 through IC 4-22-2-36 to implement IC 8-1-37, as
added by this act; or
(2) January 1, 2012.
(c) This SECTION expires January 1, 2012.
