Renewable Portfolio Standards - Resources

The Role of Hydropower in State Clean Energy Policy

July 31, 2020

This report analyzes state policies across the US to review eligibility criteria and the role hydropower is currently playing in helping states meet their emissions reduction and clean energy goals.

Credit Multipliers in Renewable Portfolio Standards

Credit Multipliers in Renewable Portfolio Standards

July 23, 2018

This report examines the history and status of credit multipliers, the types of technologies and applications most often awarded credit multipliers, the advantages and disadvantages of credit multipliers, state experiences with the use of multipliers, and other trends in the implementation of credit multipliers.

Case Studies of RPS Best Practices: Solar Carve-Outs, SREC Tracking, and Thermal Inclusion

Case Studies of RPS Best Practices: Solar Carve-Outs, SREC Tracking, and Thermal Inclusion

July 20, 2018

The paper consists of three case studies of states that have been leaders in implementing particular RPS practices: Delaware’s use of a carve-out for solar, New Jersey’s tracking of solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), and New Hampshire’s inclusion of thermal output in its RPS.

Renewable Thermal in State Renewable Portfolio Standards

Renewable Thermal in State Renewable Portfolio Standards

July 12, 2018

This report provides an overview of how states across the country are incorporating renewable thermal technologies into their RPS programs.

Two Markets, Overlapping Goals: Exploring the Intersection of RPS and Voluntary Markets for Renewable Energy in the U.S.

July 31, 2017

This paper explores interactions between RPS and voluntary markets for renewable energy in the U.S. and outlines principles for supporting continued growth of both markets.

Distributed Generation in State Renewable Portfolio Standards

July 25, 2017

In 2016-2017, CESA conducted a survey on how distributed generation is incorporated into state RPSs. CESA collected responses from all 30 states that currently have a mandatory RPS requirement. This report provides a summary of the results from that survey.

When Renewable Portfolio Standards Max Out

June 22, 2017

CESA has produced a report on what happens when state renewable portfolio standards reach their peak requirement.

Does Energy Storage Fit in an RPS?

July 29, 2016

This is an updated version of a report originally published in 2014. This paper explores the question of how states, which have taken the lead in promoting clean energy through Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), could facilitate increased deployment of energy storage.

Commerce Clause Implications of Allco Finance Ltd. Challenges to Connecticut and Massachusetts RPS Programs

July 28, 2016

This note summarizes the implications of two pending lawsuits that allege that the Connecticut and Massachusetts RPS programs discriminate against out-of-region renewable energy generation and therefore violate the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.

Potential RPS Markets for Renewable Energy Generators

July 18, 2016

This paper provides information regarding where a renewable energy generator in a particular state or Canadian province can potentially sell its renewable energy certificates in order to meet the demand created by a renewable portfolio standard (RPS).