Texas first adopted the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 1999, setting a rule called the Goal for Renewable Energy. The RPS requires the state to install 5,000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity by 2015 and sets a target of 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The RPS applies to all retail entities in Texas, and the share of the mandate for each entity is determined by that retailer’s pro rata share of statewide retail energy sales.
As stated in the annual compliance report prepared by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Texas had already reached the 2025 goal in 2009 and had 26,045 MW of additional renewable energy capacity (24,381MW of which was wind) in 2017 relative to 1999.
The Green-e Renewable Energy Standard for Canada and the United States identifies many criteria renewable energy must meet to be certified. Electricity must come from eligible sources of supply, like wind, solar, geothermal, bio-mass, or low-impact hydropower. Only new renewable facilities can be used, ones built in the last 15 years. Electricity can’t be used to fulfill a state renewable energy goal, and can’t be “double counted” towards that goal. And marketing to consumers must be accurate. Greene Energy performs a marketing compliance review twice a year to ensure that what is promised is delivered.
Tracking Registry: ERCOT