The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has officially adopted rules that implement the alternative energy portfolio standard created by S.B.221, Ohio's electricity law. The rules also incorporate new requirements for energy efficiency, long-term forecast, greenhouse gas reporting and carbon dioxide control planning.
‘Ohio is one of 29 states and the District of Columbia that has adopted an alternative energy portfolio standard and one of only 14 that has a specific provision for solar resources,’ states Alan R. Schriber, chairman of PUCO. ‘The ambitious standards set forth by Gov. Ted Strickland and the legislature in S.B.221 will help provide Ohioans with cleaner, renewable energy and position our state to reap the rewards of the new green economy.’
Ohio's alternative energy portfolio standard requires that by 2025, at least 25% of electricity sold in the state by electric distribution utilities and electric services companies must be generated from alternative energy resources. At least half of this energy must come from renewable energy resources, and a minimum of 0.5% must come directly from solar resources. One half of these renewable energy facilities must be located in Ohio.
The complete text of the rules and timeline for implementation is available at www.PUCO.ohio.gov/PUCO/rules.
SOURCE: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio