Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy maintained by the Interstate
Renewable Energy Council.
Note: Net metering and interconnection refer to eligibility and pricing rules for connecting
renewable energy sources to the power transmission grid and for crediting producers
for excess generation. A public benefit fund is a general fund to support renewable
energy resources, energy efficiency initiatives, and renewable energy projects for low-
income residents, supported by a small surcharge on each consumer's electricity bill.
Figure 6. Number of States Using Each of 12 Renewable Standards, Mandates, and
Incentives.
Some States Are Offering Incentives to Encourage the
Deployment of New Fossil and Nuclear Energy Technologies
In addition to the investment tax credits and loan guarantees that the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 authorizes for the deployment of fossil and nuclear
technologies, some states have enacted financial incentives and requirements to
further stimulate the deployment of advanced fossil and nuclear technologies that
support state needs and goals. For example, Indiana enacted legislation in 2002 to
provide financial incentives for clean coal projects using Illinois Basin coal or gas
and extended these incentives in 2005 by establishing investment tax credits for
state investments in IGCC power plants. Similarly, Pennsylvania's Energy
Deployment for a Growing Economy program provides low-interest loans for
IGCC plants in an effort to build advanced coal plants that use coals abundant to
the state.
However, states provide far fewer incentives for fossil and nuclear
technologies—both in variety and number—than for renewable energy
