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NC GreenPower announces a change in premium for new small solar PV agreements, effective March 1, 2008. Click for more information.

NC GreenPower is constantly working to add more renewable energy resources to the state's power supply. As additional participants elect to support cleaner energy in North Carolina through contributions to the program, additional generation is added to our existing power mix.

A new bidder proposal process was recently launched to provide added flexibility for potential producers and for NC GreenPower in selecting resource for the program. Periodically, new resources are required to meet the demands of NC GreenPower's two major products. In the past, those resources were selected via a request for proposals with submitted projects evaluated for selection into the program.

Now, producers may bid into the program either in response to a public solicitation for resources or to be added for consideration in the Brokered Bids product.

An exception to this process involves small wind and solar installations of 10 kW or less capacity. These installations are permitted to enter an expedited generation agreement that forgoes the bidding process. This expedited process will be available so long as generation of small wind and solar is needed. As with all resources, interconnection must be completed and a power purchase agreement obtained prior to the producer being eligible to participate in the program and receive payments for power added to the grid.

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN PREMIUM FOR NEW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) AGREEMENTS - The maximum premium for all new small solar PV agreements of 10 kW or less will be adjusted to $0.15 per kWh generated, effective March 1, 2008. This represents a change from the current rate of $0.18 and will be effective for all applications received after February 29, 2008. In order to receive the current premium of $0.18 per kWh, generators must either complete the small solar PV online application no later than 5 p.m. on February 29, 2008 OR submit a hard copy of the application postmarked no later than February 29, 2008. All applications received after the deadline will be subject to the new premium.

Additionally, all projects which meet the application deadline MUST be generating to the grid no later than June 30, 2008. "Generating to the grid" is defined as having completed the interconnection process with the local servicing utility AND being able to prove through official documentation (e.g. - electric utility bill or statement) that generation has commenced and is being recorded on or prior to June 30, 2008. If a project meets the application deadline, but fails to meet the generation deadline, the rate stated in their agreement will convert to the new rate of $0.15 per kWh.

Excluded from this adjustment are those projects that have been issued agreements but are not yet generating. These projects are subject to the generating deadline stated in the agreement, which may occur BEFORE June 30, 2008. Any project that is subject to these requirements and fails to meet the generating deadline in its agreement must reapply and will be issued a new agreement under the new terms stated above. If your project is nearing its deadline for generation and you feel you cannot meet this date, please contact NC GreenPower on or before February 29, 2008 to seek alternative arrangements to ensure preservation of your current agreed-upon premium.

NC GreenPower periodically evaluates the costs to implement solar PV and other technologies and adjusts, when appropriate, the maximum premiums for new projects. Any changes in premium DO NOT affect agreements currently in effect, provided those projects have met all specified requirements. The rates established in these agreements shall be valid through the completion date of the agreement, regardless of any changes in premium for new projects entering the program.

Also, this change in premium does not affect small wind applicants, whose maximum premium will remain the same.

If you have questions regarding this change, please contact NC GreenPower for futher information.

Brokered bids and the new bidding process

The brokered bids product for NC GreenPower provides customers interested in annually spending $25,000 or more on renewable energy credits with another option.  As with the other two products, NC GreenPower accepts bids on a continual basis.  Producers complete an application (Bid Sheet) with pertinent project information, a bid amount and a date through which the bid is available.  These bids create a portfolio of available renewable energy projects. 

Customers participating at the minimum purchase level or higher have access to the portfolio and can select a piece of a project, an entire project or multiple projects of interest to them, which are within their price range.  NC GreenPower would essentially serve as a broker between the producer and the NC GreenPower customer to facilitate an offer and payment through NC GreenPower. A purchase of brokered bids products may be subject to unique terms and conditions including the prepayment of fees. 

To find out more about the Brokered Bids product and the new producer bidding process, view our bidder instructions.