Maine Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Overview

Maine Statute (M.R.S. 35-A §3210) requires 30% of Maine load be satisfied by existing renewable electricity generation (Class II) and 10% of Maine load in 2017 and beyond be satisfied by new renewable resources (Class I), and increasing amounts of Class IA and thermal renewable energy credits (TRECs) starting 2020 and 2021, respectively. By 2030, 40% of Maine load must be satisfied by Class IA resources and 4% by TRECs. Chapter 311 of the Commission rules implements the RPS.

RPS Resource Certification

Renewable generation facilities can be certified as a renewable resource for the purpose of meeting Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard by submitting an application to the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Please follow the instructions provided below to submit the application. The optional application forms provided are for your convenience. Other forms of application are acceptable provided they contain all required information.

Class II resources self-certify as participants in the NEPOOL GIS REC tracking system. 

Class I, IA, and TREC resources require certification by the Maine PUC.

Facilities participating in the C&I NEB Tariff Rate program do not self-file certification applications. Contact your interconnecting T&D Utility regarding certification.

A Class I Renewable Energy Resource is a new renewable capacity resource such as wind, solar, biomass, hydropower or geothermal. Class I facilities must register with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Registered facilities are listed here:

RPS Class I, IA, and TREC Renewable Resources Applications

Annual RPS Reports

35-A M.R.S. §3210(3-A) requires the Commission to provide an annual report to the Legislature on Maine’s RPS.