N. Mariana Islands - Renewables Portfolio Standard

Program N. Mariana Islands - Renewables Portfolio Standard
Category Regulatory Policy
Implementing sector State
Last Update
State N. Mariana Islands
Technologies Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics

Requirements 

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands enacted its Renewables Portfolio Standard in September 2007, in which a certain percentage of its net electricity sales must come from renewable energy. The law was amended in 2014 to a lower target, as previous targets were not met. Under the law, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (the Islands' only and semi-autonomous public utility provider) must establish a renewable portfolio standard of:

  • 20% of net electricity sales on or before December 31, 2016

Compliance 
There are stipulations within the law that allow for non-compliance if there is no "cost-effective" way to meet the benchmarks. Overall, the standard is extremely aggressive and the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is not in compliance.

Information regarding the PUC's progress on these issues is unavailable.

In July 2011, National Renewable Energy Laboratory published the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Initial Technical Assessment Report that includes additional information about energy, energy policy, and resources in the Northern Mariana Islands.

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