Recall that PURPA (Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act), passed in the 1970’s, is a federal, and also a state law in Oregon that requires utilities to buy power that is produced from independent generators. A main purpose of PURPA is to encourage and promote development of renewable energy generation. PURPA dockets impact small businesses in at least two ways: projects ranging between 500 kW-10 MW in Oregon have a statistically higher economic benefit to local economies than the larger projects because dollars form the projects circulate more in the local community where the project is developed. Also, these projects are often developed by smaller entities. Several dockets in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest are challenging key aspects of PURPA, and SBUA is supporting efforts to inform decision-makers on these challenges, and also to inform small business on these important renewable energy rate-related statutes and policies. Diane Henkels, Cleantech Law Partners, is representing SBUA in these matters. She can be reached by telephone at 541.270.6001 or email at dhenkels@cleantechlaw.com.
