TITLE 4: ECONOMIC RESOURCES
DIVISION 8: UTILITIES
§ 8525. Renewable Portfolio Standards Study. The regulator shall: (a) By December 31, 2008, develop and implement a utility rate structure and independent power producer contract standards, which may include but is not limited to, (1) Performance-based ratemaking to provide incentives that encourage the Commonwealth’s electric utilities to use cost-effective renewable energy resources found in the Commonwealth, (2) In order to meet the renewable portfolio standards established in this chapter, (3) While allowing for deviation from the standards in the event that the standards cannot be met in a cost-effective manner, or as a result of circumstances beyond the control of an electric utility which could not have been reasonably anticipated or ameliorated; (b) By December 31, 2008, conduct a study and publish its findings and conclusions to: (1) Determine the extent to which any proposed utility rate structure or independent power producer contract would impact electric utility companies' profit margins, and how to avoid cutting profits solely by reason of the proposed rate structure; (2) Determine the capability of the Commonwealth’s electric utility utilities to achieve renewable portfolio standards in a cost-effective manner; (3) Assess factors such as the impact on consumer rates, utility system reliability and stability, costs and availability of appropriate renewable energy resources and technologies, permitting approvals, impacts on the economy, culture, community, and environment; (4) Evaluate tax incentives and other strategies to attract independent power producers who would use renewable sources of energy; and (5) To assess whether the renewable portfolio standards should be reset. Source: PL 15-23, § 2(8625); amended by PL 15-87 § 2(8625), modified. Commission Comment: The Commission substituted “this chapter” for “this Act,”changed capitalization, and deleted the word “and” at the end of subsection (a)(3) pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(d), (f), and (g).