In response to
Executive Order 20-04, the PUC will build on its existing authority to promote greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction and encourage greater awareness of emission reductions associated with existing customer programs. With an eye toward stakeholder alignment, interagency coordination, and equity benefits, the PUC will support streamlined interconnection of clean energy resources and their valuation, and community-wide green tariffs. The PUC will work to identify and incorporate social and environmental co-benefits of pilots and programs, and raise awareness by measuring, tracking, and reporting their GHG emissions.
Highlighted priorities for the first year work plan for Utility Services and Activities include:
- Establish new guidelines for utility Distribution System Planning (UM 2005) to result in initial filings in August, 2021 that advance long-term planning to effectively connect clean resources. Approved by the Commission in December, 2020, Staff is now supporting stakeholders in development of DSP filings through public workshops and a technical working group. Staff provides PUC reporting on DSP stakeholder outreach by utilities. Visit the DSP page for more information.
- Within the context of new legislation related to community renewables, provide guidance for utilities and communities for Community-Wide Green Tariffs to assist communities that want to use 100% “green” energy, exceeding the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Visit the Community Green Tariff page for more information.
- Quantify and incorporate measurable co-benefits beyond energy and financial benefits (e.g., GHG emission reductions, local air quality improvements, health benefits, reduction of energy burden), as relevant to existing and new program opportunities. Staff began research into energy burden reduction within energy efficiency programs and avoided costs, and has identified pilot opportunities with Energy Trust of Oregon.
- Quantify and assess estimated GHG emissions impact at scale. The PUC requires Energy Trust of Oregon to report on GHG emissions avoided through energy efficiency programs on behalf of utilities. In 2021, Oregon Community Solar Program and all administrators of Public Purpose Charge programs will report GHG impacts of activities.
- Prioritize actions that streamline and modernize safe, reliable methods to connect clean resources to the electric and natural gas systems and appropriately value their system contributions, especially when deployed to support low- to moderate-income customers. The PUC will launch interconnection reform investigation (UM 2111) and ensure it is integrated with related dockets.