What states have RPS programs?

Thirty states, Washington D.C., and two territories have active Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) or Clean Energy Standard (CES) requirements. An additional seven states have voluntary renewable energy goals. These policies mandate that electricity suppliers obtain a specified portion of their power from designated renewable resources or carbon-free technologies. The specifics of these programs, such as targets, timelines, eligible resources, and enforcement mechanisms, vary significantly from state to state.

Here's a general overview of what details are typically included in a state's RPS program:

• Target: This specifies the percentage of electricity that must come from renewable or clean energy sources and the year by which this target must be achieved. Many states also have interim targets. For example, a state might have a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
• Timeline: RPS programs usually have a schedule of increasing targets over time to gradually increase the use of renewable energy.
• Eligible Resources: The definition of what qualifies as a "renewable resource" or "clean energy" can vary. Common examples include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and certain types of hydropower. Some states also have specific "carve-outs" that require a certain percentage of the renewable energy to come from a particular technology, like solar. They may also define Tier 1 and Tier 2 renewable resources with different eligibility or credit values.
• Applicable Entities: The RPS requirements can apply to investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, cooperative utilities, and/or retail electricity suppliers within the state.
• Compliance Mechanisms: Utilities typically meet their RPS obligations by either generating renewable energy themselves or by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from renewable energy ¹ generators. One REC usually represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity.  
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• Cost Caps: Some RPS programs include cost caps to limit the potential impact on electricity rates. These caps may limit the amount utilities can spend on RPS compliance.
• In-state Requirements or Preferences: Some states have provisions that encourage or require a certain amount of renewable energy to be generated within the state.
• Penalties for Non-compliance: States typically have penalties in place for utilities that fail to meet their RPS targets. These penalties can include fines or the requirement to purchase alternative compliance payments.
• Program Administration: State agencies or public utility commissions are usually responsible for overseeing and enforcing the RPS program.

Examples of State RPS Programs (as of late 2024/early 2025):

• California: Has a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045, with interim targets like 60% renewables by 2030.
• Colorado: Has a 100% clean energy goal by 2050 for its largest utilities, with earlier renewable energy targets.
• New York: Aiming for 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, with an interim target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
• Massachusetts: Has a target of 35% renewable energy by 2030, increasing by 1% annually thereafter, with specific solar carve-outs.
• Oregon: Has a "Clean Energy Targets" law requiring 100% clean electricity by 2040, complementing its existing RPS.

For detailed and up-to-date information on the RPS program of a specific state, it is best to consult the website of that state's public utility commission or environmental protection agency, or resources like the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).