Renewable Energy Implementation Analysis and Recommendations to Meet District of Columbia's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Expansion Act

摘要

Due to federal mandates, there is an increasing demand to advance renewable energy in the District of Columbia (D.C.) to deliver power. Utilities must find ways to achieve objectives while avoiding costly alternative compliance payments. In 2016, the District of Columbia's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Expansion Act made significant amendments expanding renewable energy source requirements to 50% by 2032 and solar requirements to 5% by 2032, while current utility renewable energy percentages are at 4% and solar is at ∼0.1%. With the RPS mandate, utilities will need to improve and enhance facilitation of the interconnection of renewable energy within the power delivery system. This study will focus on the evaluation and implementation of various renewable energy systems in the District of Columbia. The main objective is to analyze the best feasible options available to meet RPS targets. If electricity suppliers are unable to meet requirements, suppliers must pay both renewable energy credits (RECs) and alternative compliance fees (ACFs) and the financial burden of compliance will ultimately be passed on to customers of the electricity suppliers. This study will also review and present the cost-effective means of REC's can be used for RPS compliance and results will provide policymakers a better understanding of how to address renewable energy requirements locally in the District.