Last DSIRE Review: 07/08/2012
Program Overview:
| State: |
Puerto Rico |
| Incentive Type: |
Public Benefits Fund |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Municipal Solid Waste, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal, Renewable Fuels, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential, General Public/Consumer, Utility, Institutional |
| Types: | Renewables (Alternative and Sustainable) |
| Total Fund: | $40,000,000 ($20,000,000 for each FY12, FY13) |
| Charge: | Excise taxes from sales of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
| Web Site: |
http://www.prgef.com/Default.aspx
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Authority 1:
Date Enacted:
Date Effective:
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C2610 (2010) Act No. 83
07/19/2010
07/01/2011
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Authority 2:
Date Enacted:
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EAA Green Energy Fund Regulation 8038
06/28/2011
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Summary:
In July 2010, Puerto Rico enacted two important laws aimed at accelerating Puerto Rico's adaptation of renewable energy and to reduce the island's reliance on fossil fuels. This is especially significant since 70% of the island's electricity comes from oil, according to the government of Puerto Rico.
Act 83 created the Green Energy Fund (GEF), creating for the first time a dedicated fund, held separately from general funds, to support renewable energy development in Puerto Rico. The GEF is unlike other public benefits funds in the United States since it is funded by excise (sales) taxes collected on motor vehicles and motorcycles. In addition, other state or federal funds, donations, income derived from renewable energy credis (RECs), and any non-compliance fines paid under the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard may be deposited into the GEF. The fund is authorized to collect excise taxes and make expenditures through fiscal year (FY) 2020. The maximum amount of expenditures allowed from the GEF during FY2012 and FY2013 is $20,000,000; it increases over time to a maximum of $40,000,000 during FY2020.
The GEF will be used to support "green energy" development. Puerto Rico defines green energy as sustainable renewable energy and alternative renewable energy. Sustainable renewable energy includes solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, marine and hydrokinetic, and ocean thermal. Alternative renewable energy includes municipal solid waste, landfill gas, anaerobic digestion, and fuels cells.
The Energy Affairs Administration (EAA) administers the fund and develop programs, with oversight from the Department of Economic Development and Commerce and an "Evaluating Committee" established for that purpose. The EAA is allowed to establish grant programs, enter into contracts, provide loans, RECs, or develop other financial aid or investment instruments. Act 83 mandated the first programs funded under the GEF: Tier I and Tier II incentive programs, targeting small-scale and mid-scale renewable energy projects respectively (at $8 million for Tier I program and $11 million for the Tier II program).
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Contact:
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General Info EAA
Energy Affairs Administration
P.O. Box 41314
San Juan, PR 00940
Phone: (787) 332-0914
Fax: (787) 721-3089
Web Site: http://www.aaepr.net/
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