HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Green Energy Rate FAQ(2)
Proposed 100% Green Electricity Rate Program
Truckee Donner PUD
The Green Electricity Rate Program is a proposed rate structure subject to Board review
and approval. This information should be considered preliminary in nature, with a high
likelihood of modifications occurring to the program before being adopted by the Board.
What is the Green Electricity Rate?
The Green Electricity Rate is an additional kWh charge that can be added to the
existing rate schedules. The proposed rate is $.04 per kWh.
What percentage of my electricity will be green electricity?
By participating in the Green Electricity Rate Program, you will be purchasing 100
percent renewable electricity resources to cover your load.
Will the program only be offered to one customer class?
The Green Electricity Rate will be made available to all customer classes as an add-on
rate. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and optional.
Will the Green Electricity Rate change over time?
The Green Electricity Rate will typically be reviewed by the Board bi-annually and
modified as required.
What is the term?
The minimum term is twelve months, or until your service is discontinued, whichever
occurs first. There will be a 30-day window every year to drop out of the Green
Electricity Rate Program unless the Board makes changes outside of this time period. If
a customer does not drop out, the account will automatically renew for an additional
twelve month period.
What fuel sources are used for this program?
The Green Electricity Rate Program includes the following sources on average: wind
(65%), and landfill gas (35%), subject to change based on availability.
Where does the Electricity come from?
Electricity for the program will be delivered from the District’s renewable electricity
facilities, one of which is located in Idaho (wind) and the other in Utah (landfill gas).
Some portion of the renewable electricity from these facilities is used to meet the
District’s current renewable electricity requirements. With the Green Electricity Rate
Program, your purchase will help the District to develop and participate in other
renewable electricity projects sooner.
Preliminary 6/6/18 Page 1
Does the green electricity come directly to my meter?
Due to the way electricity is transmitted and distributed, electricity purchased or
produced from renewable electricity resources may not be specifically delivered to you.
However, your participation in the Green Electricity Rate Program will help stimulate
and support the production of renewable electricity resources.
What if the wind is not blowing?
Wind production typically occurs during daylight hours, peaking in the afternoon and
dropping off during the night. Landfill gas production is consistent over 24 hours every
day of the year. Therefore the renewable electricity you purchase through Green
Electricity Rate Program is always delivered to the grid, allowing you to receive reliable
electricity, day and night.
Is the District mandated to procure electricity from renewable sources?
Yes. Under SB 350, named the “Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015,”
California increased its RPS requirement to 50 percent renewables by 2030 (up from 33
percent by 2020). The RPS also includes interim targets of 40 percent renewables by
the end of 2024, and 45 percent by the end of 2027.
The District has proactively added renewable electricity to our electricity resource mix
over the last 10 years while keeping our rates stable and very competitive compared to
other California utilities. For the last 2 years, the District has achieved an RPS in excess
of 50 percent, surpassing California requirements.
The Green Electricity Rate Program is separate from and incremental to the RPS
requirement. However, there are some ways in which this program and the RPS
portfolio interact. The renewable Electricity associated with current District electricity
sources is counted toward the RPS requirement and is provided to all customers.
Customer participation in the Green Electricity Rate Program will help stimulate and
support the production of renewable and carbon-free electricity resources now and into
the future.
What are the benefits to enrolling in the Green Electricity Rate Program?
The renewable electricity you purchase will make a positive impact to our community.
By enrolling, you’ll be choosing to:
purchase 100 percent renewable resources to cover your load
reduce our dependence on non-renewable electricity sources like natural gas
promote an environmentally-conscious electricity market through the use of clean
resources
drive further expansion of wind electricity and other renewable or carbon-free
sources
decrease greenhouse gas emissions
Preliminary 6/6/18 Page 2