CHP Policy

Although many states have been making notable progress on combined heat and power (CHP) policies, significant barriers continue to hinder the realization of CHP’s nationwide potential.  In particular, individual utility policies and practices, especially relating to interconnection and tariffs, have long been identified by ACEEE and others as a major barrier to the expanded adoption of CHP.  In addition, environmental standards do not sufficiently recognize the efficiency gains of CHP systems.

We have been working with USCHPA to develop a legislative plan (please note, this pdf is a DRAFT).  Due to the nature of the document, it's contents may periodically change, so check back often.

ACEEE contributed to a recently released white paper on combined heat and power prepared for the Western Governors' Association's Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee (CDEAC): Combined Heat and Power White Paper (594KB) Released January, 2006.

ACEEE has reviewed progress on CHP initiatives in a new white paper: CHP 5 Years Later: Policies and Programs Released Fall 2002

We have been developing a package of proposals and will post it here upon completion.

Emissions | Interconnection | State Policy | Tax Policy

Emissions

• ACEEE and NRDC comments to a proposed rule by the California Public Utilities Commission on establishing incentive standards for CHP
• We have also commented on the DG permitting rule proposed by TNRCC. While we commend the concept, we have problems with certain specific elements of the proposal. See the comment letter for more information.
• In May 2003, ACEEE and some allies submitted comments to the New York State DEC comments on the proposed emissions standards for DG. The comment letter is here.

Interconnection

• ACEEE's June 27, 2003 comments on the Minnesota Interconnect Working Groups Technical and rate tariff proposed guidelines: Minnesota Comments
• ACEEE comments on FERC Interconnect NOPR
• ACEEE's letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission supporting the draft interconnection standard provided by the coalition of solar and distributed generation groups

State Policy

• ACEEE report: State Opportunities for Action: Review of States' Combined Heat and Power Activities (2002)

• ACEEE report: Federal Tax Strategies to Encourage the Adoption of Combined Heat and Power (2001)

For more information contact:
R. Neal Elliott, Program Director
Vanessa McKinney, Research Staff

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