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The California Energy Commission has launched the world’s largest renewable energy registry and tracking system called the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS). The system includes the western United States, parts of Canada and a portion of Baja California, and it tracks megawatt-hours produced, fuel sources, facility locations and all state, provincial and voluntary renewable energy program qualifications pertaining to the generation of renewable power.
One WREGIS certificate is issued for each megawatt-hour of renewable energy produced and deposited on the grid. The data will make it easier for states to implement renewable policies and achieve renewable energy goals.
The system was developed in response to policies set by California and the Western Governors’ Association. In 2002, California adopted legislation requiring the Energy Commission to develop a tracking system for implementing the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
The system covers a 1.8-million-square-mile area within the Western Interconnection System. It includes the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Texas, South Dakota, Nebraska, British Columbia, Alberta and the northern portion of Baja. Participation in WREGIS is voluntary. EC
About The Author
LAEZMAN is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer who has been covering renewable power for more than 10 years. He may be reached at [email protected].
