SO... what exactly IS A Renewable Portfolio Standard? It is . . .
- A requirement that utility companies increase the percentage of energy generated by renewable sources, like solar, wind, geothermal;
- A way of reducing the use of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and worsen air quality; - An opportunity for homeowners, renters, and business owners to participate in generating and using renewable energy with benefits that include lower utility bills.
It is also a policy that Washington D.C., 29 states, and 4 US territories have approved. Take a look at the map above. Our region hasn't taken steps to move toward clean and affordable energy yet. Luckily, the New Orleans City Council has the authority to make it happen here.
Our coalition is working together to file recommendations to the Council on what an RPS should look like in New Orleans to ensure it is the best policy for everyone. We have goals to reduce carbon emissions, reduce energy bills, encourage community ownership of renewables, grow the local economy, increase resilience in the face of stronger storms, and ensure that no-one is left behind.
Equity is fundamental to the EFNO coalition. In our vision for climate action in New Orleans, we seek to address and avoid racial, economic, and environmental disparities stemming from traditional energy systems. We know that the path that got us here won't be the one that safeguards our future. Therefore we are advocating for solutions that benefit systematically disadvantaged communities.
The Council is looking at our comments, along with Entergy's and others to consider what is in all of our interest, and we hope a policy will be voted on in the next few months.
If you want more information about what everyone is saying in the docket, Follow the filings here on the Alliance's resources page.
The Energy Future New Orleans Coalition used the input from our Community Symposium to create a Resilient-Renewable Portfolio Standard. Click below to read the R-RPS!
Renewable Portfolio Standard 101: What is a renewable energy portfolio standard? How have other cities/states developed a RPS? Joe Daniel, Union of Concerned Scientists
