[19990720]RS20270_Renewable Energy and Electricity Restructuring.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20270July 20, 1999Renewable Energy and ElectricityRestructuring nae redactedSpecialist in Energy Science, Technology, and PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummarySeveral electricity industry restructuring bills propose to eliminate the PublicUtility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which has been key to the growth ofrenewable power facilities. Bills intended to ensure a continuing role for renewableenergy sources have been introduced in the 106th Congress that include somecombination of a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS), a public benefits fund(PBF), and/or an information disclosure requirement that supports “green” pricing andmarketing of renewable power. Some states and electric utility companies have alreadyinstituted such measures. Debate is focused on whether there should be a federal rolein restructuring generally and in creating incentives for renewables specifically. Thisreport, updated as needed, provides a brief overview of the debate over renewableenergy provisions in federal legislation to restructure the electric power industry. S