NCPA has long been supportive of a 33% statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) target for all state utilities, provided that the authority over, and oversight of, the RPS program remains—as is now the practice—with the local governing boards and elected officials who are directly accountable to their residents and community.

NCPA has been gratified that the State Legislature has recognized the value of this local decision-making authority time and time again.  We remain dedicated to working closely with policymakers to strongly support statewide objectives through our work at the local level – and our record demonstrates this commitment.  This local-state partnership has led to the inclusion of public power in statutory language in a manner that ensures achievement of statewide objectives while allowing for innovation and results through locally driven solutions.  This approach has served to benefit both California consumers and the environment.  

 

All NCPA member communities, consistent with Senate Bill 1078 (Sher), have formally adopted Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that are tailored to their individual communities, and are in most instances are already exceeding the state average RPS numbers.  Collectively, NCPA members are already above the 20% RPS threshold, and many individual NCPA member utilities already have California-eligible RPS levels that exceed a 33% threshold.