Bill Text: TX HB303 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to this state's goal for renewable energy.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-02-11 - Referred to State Affairs [HB303 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HB303-Introduced.html

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83R2186 DDT-D
By: Rodriguez of Travis H.B. No. 303

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to this state's goal for renewable energy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 39.904(a) and (o), Utilities Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) It is the intent of the legislature that by January 1,
2020, at least 35 percent of the generating capacity in this state
will be from renewable energy technologies, with at least 2 percent
of the generating capacity in this state from solar energy
technologies [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 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
renewable energy technology generating capacity installed to meet
the goal of this subsection after September 1, 2005, the commission
shall establish a target of having at least 500 megawatts of
capacity from a renewable energy technology other than a source
using wind energy].
(o) The commission may establish an alternative compliance
payment. An entity that has a renewable energy purchase
requirement under this section may elect to pay the alternative
compliance payment instead of applying renewable energy credits
toward the satisfaction of the entity's obligation under this
section. [The commission may establish a separate alternative
compliance payment for the goal of 500 megawatts of capacity from
renewable energy technologies other than wind energy. The
alternative compliance payment for a renewable energy purchase
requirement that could be satisfied with a renewable energy credit
from wind energy may not be less than $2.50 per credit or greater
than $20 per credit. Prior to September 1, 2009, an alternative
compliance payment under this subsection may not be set above $5 per
credit.] In implementing this subsection, the commission shall
consider:
(1) the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
retail competition;
(2) the effect of renewable energy credit prices on
electric rates;
(3) the effect of the alternative compliance payment
level on the renewable energy credit market; and
(4) any other factors necessary to ensure the
continued development of the renewable energy industry in this
state while protecting ratepayers from unnecessary rate increases.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.