State implementation of Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978

Thesis/Dissertation · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5260533

Gunn, E M

Recent federal and state policies explicitly encourage the development of electricity generation utilizing industrial cogeneration and renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. These energy systems are significantly different from traditional electric-power generation because they are (1) more energy efficient: (2) usually smaller and decentralized; (3) not wholly owned by utilities; and (4) more flexible for industrial self-generators. A key factor in stimulating these energy systems has been the implementation of Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978. The major purpose of Section 210 was to remove institutional barriers to electricity generation by cogenerators and small power producers, primarily through requiring utilities to purchase power from these alternative sources. This research characterizes federal and state implementation of Section 210 and assesses four factors expected to be important to the overall implementation experience: (1) the technological or resource opportunities: (2) the characteristics of the state or regional electric power system; (3) the overall capacity of the state commission; and (4) the general political climate. This study concludes that Section 210 has been successful. States put Section 210 rules and regulations in place, despite the complex and controversial nature of the legislation.

• Research Organization: Oklahoma Univ., Norman (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5260533
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290800* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Heat Utilization-- (1980-)
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
296000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
COGENERATION
DEUS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
NATIONAL ENERGY ACT
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
POWER GENERATION
PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT
STATE GOVERNMENT
STEAM GENERATION