Renewable Energy and Electricity Restructuring (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
July 20, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RS20270 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Fred Sissine, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Several electricity industry restructuring bills propose to eliminate the Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act (PURPA), which has been key to the growth of renewable power facilities. Bills
intended to ensure a continuing role for renewable energy sources have been introduced in the 106th
Congress that include some combination of a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS), a public
benefits fund (PBF), and/or an information disclosure requirement that supports "green" pricing and
marketing of renewable power. Some states and electric utility companies have already instituted
such measures. Debate is focused on whether there should be a federal role in restructuring generally
and in creating incentives for renewables specifically. This report, updated as needed, provides a
brief overview of the debate over renewable energy provisions in federal legislation to restructure
the electric power industry. See also CRS Issue Brief IB10041, Renewable Energy .
