Cost Estimating Guidebook for Interconnections Between Electric Utilities and Small Power Producers Qualifying under PURPA. Draft

摘要

Energy conservation is a prime concern of every progressive country in the world today, and the future economic viability of every nation will depend on how well each manages and conserves its energy resources. In recognition of these conditions, the US Government has established policies to increase efficiency in energy use; increase development and utilization of domestic energy fuels; and encourage development and installation of small power-generating facilities that use renewable sources of energy as primary fuels. To improve the economic feasibility of small power-generating facilities, the Congress enacted Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), Public Law 95-617, 16 USC Section 824a-3. Section 210 provides certain incentives for the development of such facilities and gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to exempt such facilities from most aspects of public utility regulation. The FERC rules implementing Section 210 of PURPA provide, among other things, that cogeneration and small power production facilities qualifying under Section 210 (QFs) have a right to interconnect with utilities for the purposes of selling power to and purchasing power from electric utilities. The cost of interconnection with the utility can be a key factor in deciding whether to install a small power-generating facility. This guidebook is designed to help potential electrical power producers estimate these costs. (ERA citation 07:062997)