Keeping better track of renewable energy

Keeping better track of renewable energy

Apr 16 - United Press International

A new system to keep better track of renewable energy production in the West is about ready to be put into operation.

The Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS) is an accounting system that will fill the need for accurate means of assuring customers who sign up to purchase green power that they will get what they pay for.

Consumer demand for electricity from environmentally friendly sources is considered a key to expanding the commercial viability of wind, solar, biomass and other alternative energy, and utilities have been seeking a credible means of informing their customers that they indeed have electricity from renewable sources crossing their wires.

Developed by stakeholders from 11 states and two Canadian provinces, WREGIS creates the renewable energy certificates (RECs) that are solid proof that a producer has generated 1 megawatt hour of clean power.

In addition, the RECs are becoming a commodity in themselves that can be traded among utilities for tax purposes or, if need be, to meet their state's Renewable Portfolio Standards.